Why Caregivers and their Loved Ones Deserve Respite It is likely that at some point in our lives, most of us will be involved in providing care for an older loved one. A commonly requested type of caregiver assistance among family caregivers is respite, accounting for 15% of all assistance requests according to a study by the Family Caregiver Alliance. A variety of situations may give rise to requests for this type of assistance. For example, if we have a career of our own, the addition of caregiving responsibilities may leave us with very little time to manage our personal needs and day-to-day tasks. Or we may be a caregiver in the “sandwich generation” and care for both children and adult loved ones, which may increase our need for respite, due to the amount of our caregiving responsibilities. Read more
4 Tips to Help Loved Ones Use Computers and Smartphones For much of the world, computers and smartphones are a necessity in everyday life. But for our older loved ones, these devices can provoke anxiety, hostility and resistance. To some older adults, learning how to use a computer or smartphone can seem like a very daunting task, but there are benefits to embracing technology and using devices. Read more
6 Tips to Help a Loved One Cook Safely As we age, the possibility of accidents happening in the kitchen goes up dramatically. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, people over the age of 65 have a 2.5 times greater risk of dying in a kitchen fire than the general population. Our older loved ones are much more prone to falling when trying to reach something on the top shelf, and are more susceptible to food-borne illnesses that can be fatal from improperly stored food. If we help our loved ones cook, there are many steps we can take to assure their safety in the kitchen. Read more
6 Tips to Help a Loved One with Dressing If a loved one we are helping is having trouble manipulating buttons or zippers, or is finding it difficult to maintain their balance when dressing, it may be time to for us to assist them with getting dressed. Here are some tips we can use to help us aid our loved ones with dressing, while also helping them maintain a sense of independence. Read more
5 Tips to Help a Loved One Manage Eating Difficulties As a loved one ages, they may experience changes that impact their appetite; their ability to distinguish taste, smell, temperature and texture of food; and, if they have dementia, they may have difficulty feeding themselves. We can help our loved ones maintain proper nutrition and avoid unwanted weight loss and other negative outcomes. Read more
4 Tips to Help a Loved One Manage Stairs If a loved one has mobility issues, a flight of stairs can sometimes seem like an insurmountable obstacle. At the same time, being able to move freely and safely throughout the home is imperative for a loved one's independence. In addition, the social and emotional benefits of leaving the home from time to time should not be neglected just because a few stairs are in the way. Read more
Taking a Teamwork Approach to Caregiving As we age, most of us would prefer to stay within our own homes, but this becomes difficult as age and infirmities slow us down. Adding to this, grown children or other relatives may not live nearby. If we are caring for an older loved one who is living at home, they may also struggle to maintain their independence if they do not have all the support they need to manage their day-to-day life. The best way we can help a loved one in this situation is to plan ahead and assemble a team. Read more
5 Tips to Help our Loved Ones with Using Telephones For many of our loved ones, hearing and vision problems develop over time and create problems when they want to use the telephone. When a loved one has challenges that cause them to avoid using the phone, tension can ensue. We can help our loved ones retain their independence with these tips for addressing the many different challenges that may cause a loved one to stop using the phone. Read more
Bringing Exercise to Dementia Care As caregivers, it can be challenging to keep a loved one engaged in healthy activities because of a lack of endurance, soreness or general lack of interest. Yet encouraging loved ones to participate in these activities can be important to improving their health and wellness. According to the National Institute on Aging and the Alzheimer’s Association, staying active has numerous benefits for people with dementia. Read more
Activities for a Loved One with Dementia: Gardening Gardening can be a wonderful activity for older adults with Alzheimer's or other memory disorders and their families. According to experts who diagnose and treat memory disorders, gardening activities often have a positive effect on the physical, mental and emotional health of older adults. An afternoon of fresh air and sunshine in the garden can help improve a loved one’s appetite and help them sleep better at night. Watching new plants begin to grow and bloom under their care can also give them a sense of pride, accomplishment and enjoyment at the flowers, fruits and vegetables they were able to grow with our help. Read more
