Walking canes have been around for centuries giving mobility aid where needed. The old medicinal looking canes of yesteryear have given way to a new line of upscale, fashion canes. The unique designs of today’s modern aids give prestige and esteem to this unique group of walking cane users. The various designed handles, range from a smooth lacquered wood to molded plastic. The orthopedic Palm Grip has been a lifesaver for those with arthritis. The unique curve of the handle allows most of the person’s weight to be distributed over the palm and shaft rather than fingers. These unique…
Seniors want to live an independent life in the comfort of their home for as long as possible. As our parents age, we may find it necessary to take a serious look at the condition and surroundings of their home to make sure they can get around without problems.
One of the most beneficial things you can do for your parents is have a trained professional — which includes geriatric care managers, certified aging-in-place specialists, and most employees at home care agencies — evaluate your parent’s home to make sure it is “fall proof.” This will most likely…
What is “home care”? How is it different from “home health”?
This is a question that is important for anyone who has an aging parent, relative, or acquaintance who they are trying to help deal with disability, or retain their independence by remaining at home. If keeping a parent or loved one at home is the goal, then understanding clearly what home care models are available is important.
Most of us think of the traditional “visiting nurse” when we think of home care, but this is actually usually home health care. We kind of get stuck in what I call the…
The following are some warning signs that your loved one’s caregiving needs are changing.
- Changing relationships with others/withdrawal from social interactions.
- Unusual behavior, such as being overly quiet, loud or agitated.
- Neglecting personal care, including hygiene and nutrition.
- Signs of forgetfulness such as piles of newspapers, unopened mail and scorched pans.
- Mismanaging finances, not paying bills or making unusual purchases.
- Not keeping up with household chores.
What can you do when warning signs appear?
- Do not be afraid to seek or accept assistance. There are many free or economical public and private services for adult caregivers seeking a respite from providing continuous care.
- Talk with your loved one…
Bernie Madoff-like ponzi frauds, foreign lottery winnings ploys and work-at-home check cashing schemes. These are just a few of the scams that have made headlines over the past year. Scams and fraudulent business practices that intend to swindle can impact anyone including the affluent and highly educated, as well as the non-native speaking, the poor and the elderly. In difficult economic times, scammers continually search for new ways to deceive. Recently publicized scams include individuals posing as bank officials offering to refinance mortgages or to confirm account numbers via the Internet or over the phone.
Anyone with a phone, mail…
Recently we’ve seen a lot of stories on how people are trying to make ends meet in rough economic waters by cutting back on their meds, doctor’s appointments and immunizations. While harmful to all, cutting back on meds can be especially detrimental to seniors. It is also very important to the physical and mental well-being of seniors to maintain a healthy lifestyle. We encourage everyone to:
Take medications as prescribed and get immunizations as recommended by your doctor. Recent surveys have shown that about one in nine individuals are cutting their pills in half to extend the life of the…
As a family caregiver trying to do your best to help your aging loved one while also juggling your job, family and many other commitments, you’re probably looking for all the support you can get. Family caregivers are a growing group; its online community is growing, too. To help you find the best online sources, here are Golden Heart Senior Care eight favorite blogs for caregivers.
Written by the son of a Alzheimer’s sufferer, the Alzheimer’s Reading Room blog shares news, research, information and advice for other caregivers of loved ones with Alzheimer’s…
Exercise offers health benefits to people of all ages. Our bodies are designed to move and can stop working properly if left sedentary for too long. Exercise also lifts mood and improves mental health. That’s why it’s important for your loved one to remain as active as possible. Golden Heart Senior Care takes a look at some of these benefits and offers tips on staying active.
Researchers at Duke University found that exercise serves as a natural antidepressant and other studies suggest it may improve brain function and even protect against dementia. During exercise, the body…
The following was taken from Mediate.com, a great resource for “everything mediation” with permission from the article’s author, Georgia Daniels. Georgia Daniels is a family mediator in Pasadena, CA, a teacher, and an inactive member of the Oregon and Washington State Bars.
Eldercare mediation is a growing field that will increase in prominence as the number of elders increases. As parents age, conflicts can erupt between parents and their children over living situations, driving, or the need for more help with daily activities. In addition, conflicts may spring up between siblings about their parents’ aging, such as when it is…
Jon Caswell, is the lead editor and staff writer of Stroke Connection Magazine, published by theAmerican Stroke Association.
Caring for a loved one in a time of medical need is a generous and loving thing to do. It is also trying, exhausting and a good way to burn out. Caring for a stroke survivor can be all that and more. Recovery from a stroke can be very slow, and caregiving can become a marathon. Depending on their age as well as the size and location of the injury (often called a “lesion”), survivors may recover…