Home Safety for Seniors with Parkinson’s or Other Conditions
Home should always be a place where people feel safe and comfortable. However, a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease or certain other conditions can change what was once a sanctuary into something challenging or even risky. Parkinson’s and other conditions can cause physical and cognitive challenges, such as:Mobility issues: Parkinson’s and other chronic conditions can cause stiffness, tremors, and difficulty with balance and coordination. These are among the top issues that make it challenging for older
What is Adaptive Clothing?
Adaptive clothing refers to clothing designed with modifications and features to make dressing easier for individuals with specific needs or disabilities. These modifications can address a variety of challenges, such as limited mobility, dexterity issues or the need for assistance from caregivers. Adaptive clothing enhances comfort, independence, and dignity for those with diverse abilities. It can be particularly beneficial for individuals with conditions such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, arthritis,
February is Heart Health Month
February is American Heart Health Month, a time when everyone is encouraged to focus on their cardiovascular health. Adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle is essential for preventing cardiovascular diseases and maintaining overall well-being. Heart health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being, as the heart plays a vital role in pumping blood and supplying oxygen and nutrients to the body’s organs and tissues. Here are key factors and tips for maintaining good heart health:Balanced Diet: Consume a
The Unseen Challenges of Caregiving
Being a caregiver is a role that millions undertake out of love, dedication and necessity. It’s a role that might be “invisible” to people not directly involved, but its challenges are much more than others might realize. Consider this anecdote from a Time magazine article: “When Nancy Daly was helping to care for her late mother, who had Alzheimer’s disease, the stress was so great that she would often shut herself in a bathroom and cry into a towel.” Here at Right at Home, we think of all
Older Adults Should Forget the New Year’s Diet and Embrace Healthy Eating Instead
As the new year begins, many older adults are reflecting on their lives and setting goals to become healthier. One of the most common resolutions is to eat better and possibly even drop a few pounds—a commendable goal that can improve overall well-being and reduce the risk for certain age-related health conditions. However, the challenge often lies not in setting these goals but in following through with them throughout the year and beyond. The stumbling block for healthy weight reduction tends to be the
How Adaptive Devices Can Help You Age in Place
Time for dinner! Let’s get cooking.” “Why don’t you relax in the living room? I’ll fold the laundry.” Those sound like ordinary moments of daily life for most people. But for millions of seniors who want to age in place or who are living with a disability, each of those statements could pose challenges. Cooking, cleaning, doing laundry and even just relaxing can look entirely different when you have physical challenges. In fact, a lack of mobility may cause someone to neglect not just their living
Self-Care for the ‘Sandwich Generation’
One person called it “a crushing weight.” Others call it exhausting, overwhelming and complicated. Those and many other words describe the caregiving challenges of the “sandwich generation.” But there is a flip side. At least one study has shown that family caregivers in this situation are about as satisfied, or even more satisfied, with their lifestyles as other adults. Who is this generation, and why are they being compared to a sandwich? The sandwich generation describes the growing number of
How To Make a Plan To Age Well
Aging is a natural part of life, a voyage that everyone is on. Like any other journey, it requires preparation, guidance, and support. Yet too many people delay or avoid the planning altogether. Aging can be an adventure – but it doesn’t have to be like swashbuckling through a mysterious jungle. Here are some tips to help you navigate your senior years with confidence and grace: What Support Systems Will I Need as I Age? Planning to age well requires thinking about the different types
September is National Fall Prevention Awareness Month!
One in four adults over the age of 65 fall each year and are the primary cause of injuries and injury-related deaths among seniors. Over 36 million falls are reported by older adults annually, resulting in over 28 million injuries and 800,000+ hospitalizations. Falling results in over 32,00 fatalities yearly, is the #1cause of injury related deaths in those 65+ and the most common cause of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Some of the impacts on seniors’ who fall include physical injury, pain and
Just Say No to Ageism—Including Your Own!
“All societies in the world are in the midst of [a] longevity revolution,” says a 2019 United Nations report. “Older persons are a growing demographic group in society.” Unfortunately, at the same time, “Every second person in the world is believed to hold ageist attitudes,” reports the World Health Organization, calling ageism “an insidious scourge on society.” What does it mean to be ageist? Ageism refers to prejudice, stereotyping or discrimination based on a person’s age. It can happen to people of
10 Daily Habits To Keep Your Brain Sharp as You Age
We hear often that keeping our brain sharp as we age is important for maintaining overall health and cognitive function. But what exactly is cognitive function? It’s the mental processes our brains use to think, learn, understand, remember, and solve problems. These functions include attention, perception, memory, language, problem-solving, and decision-making. In simpler terms, cognitive function is the way our brain helps us make sense of the world, process information, and interact with our
Are you Ready??…….
Yes, it’s here! As if you haven’t already read in the newspaper or heard on the news, or if you are relatively new to the area, the 2023 hurricane season began June 1st. And it runs all the way through the end of November! NOW is the time to prepare! These storms, often spawning tornadoes, flooding, power outages and the like are especially menacing for the senior who lives alone and cannot summon immediate help! Remember the anxiety we all felt during prior hurricanes like Irma, Charley, Frances
3 Ways Nature May Protect Our Brains Against Dementia
We all know the joys of being out in nature. The sights, sounds, smells and fresh air are great for our state of mind. Research has even shown that simply being able to see nature from inside has a positive impact on our well-being.In fact, the benefits of time spent outdoors may go deeper than merely improving our mental health. “Nature may also help protect against the risk of developing certain neurodegenerative disorders,” according to a February article in The Washington Post.The article was about a
What To Know About Women’s Unique Aging Considerations
f we’re lucky, we get old. Of course, people get old different ways, but men and women also age differently. Here is a look at some of the unique challenges women face as they age, how they can address these challenges, and how their loved ones can help.PhysicalHealthAmong the top health considerations for women as they age are:Menopause. During menopause, the body’s production of the hormones estrogen and progesterone decreases. That usually leads to a range of physical and emotional symptoms, such as hot