Caregiver Stress » senior health

5 Steps to Improve a Senior’s Nutritional Health

swiesenmayer — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 15:37:49 +0000

A variety of issues, from medications and illnesses to memory problems and physical constraints, can jeopardize a senior's ability to maintain a balanced diet. Seniors may find grocery shopping difficult, feel uncomfortable in the kitchen or lack the skills necessary to maintain a well-balanced diet.

Discuss Statin Safety Label Changes With Your Senior’s Doctor

swiesenmayer — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 16:11:58 +0000

The Food and Drug Administration has issued a caution that statins may be associated with cognitive problems and memory loss. So how do you and your senior loved one react? The best approach might be to call your senior’s doctor.

Prevention Is Best Way to Reduce Fall Risks

swiesenmayer — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 17:12:49 +0000

Falls are among the leading causes of death and injury in the older population. But families can greatly reduce the risks of accidents by ensuring that their older loved ones have the proper medical care and support.

Identifying Mom’s Needs Key to Reaching Family Consensus

swiesenmayer — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 16:40:26 +0000

The signs all point to trouble for Mom. You and your siblings are concerned, but not sure how to proceed, especially because your mother is reluctant to leave her longtime home. Leaving home, though, is only one option, and the least popular among older adults, many of whom just need a little help around the house.

Improving Communication Between Seniors and Doctors

swiesenmayer — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 20:22:02 +0000

During a recent webinar on patient/doctor communication, Dr. Amy D’Aprix, Executive Director of the DAI Foundation, shared the following story:

“My father was referred to a urologist because he was having trouble urinating. I spoke with him right after the appointment and he said to me...

8 Memory-Sharing Activities for Someone With Alzheimer’s

swiesenmayer — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 20:41:58 +0000

Sharing “remember when” stories like these warms the heart of every family member in the room as those special moments of shared history are remembered. When a mind-altering disease like Alzheimer’s or dementia begins affecting the memory of someone you love, shared recollections become all the more important.

Volunteering: The Magic Bullet for Healthy Aging

swiesenmayer — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:53:31 +0000

What’s the secret to keeping older adults from whiling away their days in a rocker? That’s the million dollar question for any senior care professional who has encouraged, cajoled and begged a senior to keep moving.

Flu Season Can Hit Seniors Hard

swiesenmayer — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:59:42 +0000

While the flu can get anyone down, older adults may be particularly vulnerable to the effects of these viruses, which could turn deadly fast. If you’re a senior or a caregiver to an older loved one, be sure you’re doing all you can to protect against the flu.

Pedometers Help Put New Year’s Resolutions into Action

swiesenmayer — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:48:26 +0000

Seniors who track their progress with daily walks have a much better chance to stay on pace with a goal of better fitness. So, too, can the encouragement of a companion or caregiver help keep an older adult on the road to good health.

Diet, Exercise Are a Good 1-2 Punch for Older Adults, Study Says

swiesenmayer — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:33:42 +0000

The best way for seniors to keep valuable lean muscle mass and lose weight at the same time is a combination of exercise and dieting. And keeping weight off is a way to slow the aging process, according to a study. However, sometimes older adults — like the rest of us — need a little motivation.