Top Questions About Geriatric Mental Health Answered
As families help older loved ones manage physical health conditions, they shouldn’t overlook mental health changes. Depression, anxiety and other mental health disorders are quite common among the older population. The National Council on Aging (NCOA) reports that one in four older adults will experience a mental disorder. Here are a few questions families often ask: Q. Are changes in my loved one’s personality and behavior just a normal part of aging? A. Health problems, the loss of
2021 Family Caregiver Resolutions
Today, a record 53 million people in the U.S. are providing care for older loved ones. Caregiving brings with it many emotional rewards, but at the same time caregiving can be both physically and emotionally demanding. Caregivers are stressed as they struggle to balance caregiving tasks with their work and other family responsibilities. They lose sleep worrying about the quality of care they’re pro- viding. It’s no wonder! Today’s family caregivers are asked to perform medical tasks “that would make
Updating Our Holiday Traditions with Older Loved Ones
Whether your family celebrates Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Diwali or another winter celebration, you are probably making preparations right now. Your traditions, special recipes and heirloom decorations may have been handed down from some of the very family members who are now the beloved elders at your celebration. But as the years go by senior loved ones often experience changes in health, and it becomes time to adjust our family traditions. Here are some situations to consider: A loved
Tips to Help Seniors Lower Their Fall Risk
Each year 3 million older adults seek treatment at the hospital after a fall. More than 27,000 of them will die as a result of their fall injuries, and many more will experience disabilities that can lead to a loss of independence. Falls are a major health problem according to the CDC. And while the effects of a fall can be life-changing and life-threatening for seniors, the fear of falling is a serious threat. Sometimes, after a fall or being told by their doctor they are at high risk of falling,
Don’t Forget Preventative Care
Most seniors have been taking health precautions these days. Handwashing, wearing a mask when advised to do so, and practicing social distancing help protect us from exposure to COVID-19. But this is no time to lose sight of our overall health. Healthcare providers report that many patients are failing to come in for preventative care. This could put them at risk for a host of health conditions-including more serious effects from COVID-19. Today, most healthcare facilities are ready and prepared to
A Safer Home for Senior Independence
Where would you like to live as you grow older? Surveys of people 50 years old and up show that a large majority want to age in place, staying in their own homes even as their health needs change. They want to remain in the surroundings to which they are accustomed, in their established neighborhood with familiar shops and services. Through the years they have grown an informal support system of family, friends and neighbors. Home is where their roots are! But as the years pass, families
When Your Loved One Receives a Diagnoses of Alzheimer’s Disease: 10 Tips for Family Caregivers
Are you providing care for a loved one who is liv- ing with Alzheimer’s disease or another cognitive impairment? If so, you are not alone. Today, more than five million people in the U.S. are living with Alzheimer’s disease, and 16 million family mem- bers and friends are serving as their unpaid care- givers.These caregivers share your experiences and concerns, and they are a fountain of valuable information. Here are a few things they can tell
Right at Home of Seminole County Recognizes Its Unsung Heroes as Caregivers Provide In-Home Care for Those Most Vulnerable to COVID-19
As hospitals struggle to accommodate an unprecedented influx of patients, the in-home care franchise is providing essential care to the elderly and disabled in the comfort and safety of their homes. Longwood, FL — As the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to ravage communities across the world, it is heartening to see people and businesses stepping up to offer their strength and resources to protect the most vulnerable among us. We have no shortage of our own heroes coming to the fore, and of
Helping a Loved One Manage Parkinson’s Disease
With the aging of our population, more people are living with Parkinson’s disease. Today, an estimated 1 million people in the U.S. are living with Parkinson’s, and it is diagnosed in another 50,000 people each year. What is Parkinson’s disease? Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a disorder of the brain that affects the transmission of messages to the muscles. When a person has PD, there is damage to the part of the brain that produces dopamine, an important chemical that allows the muscles to
10 Ways to Help a Senior Loved One Manage Diabetes
More than 25% of people over the age of 65 have diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Age is a top risk factor for Type 2 diabetes, the most common form of the disease. The complications of diabetes can be severe. Diabetes increases the risk of infection. It can damage the heart, kidneys, nerves and eyes. It raises the risk of dementia, incontinence and falls. It reduces both the quality and length of life. Fortunately, diabetes can be managed. Some seniors can
Prevention and Management of Cardiovascular Disease in Seniors
Heart disease is America’s No. 1 killer, but a significant number of these deaths are preventable. The American Heart Association (AHA) estimates that 43.7 million Americans age 60 and above have one or more types of cardiovascular disease, such as heart disease, heart attack, stroke and heart failure. About two-thirds of cardiovascular disease deaths occur in people over 75. Aging can cause changes in the heart and blood vessels, increasing the risk for cardiovascular disease. The Centers for
