Making Life Easier for Alzheimer’s Patients

One of the most dreaded moments a family can face is receiving a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s. There are some things you should do to become more educated and empowered. Here are a few tips:

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‘Tough’ Male Caregivers Highlighted in Media Spots

They champion the unpaid work of 16 million U.S. men caring for family members

By Sherri Snelling

What do the following actors — “The Rock” (Dwayne Johnson), “McDreamy” (Patrick Dempsey) and “The Fonz” (Henry Winkler) — have in common? While their onscreen roles show them as strong, accomplished and cool, their real-life roles have taken a departure from the traditional male stereotype: they have all been caregivers to aging and ill mothers.

And they are not alone.

Thanks to AARP and the Ad Council, another actor who has joined the ranks as a real-life caregiver stars in a new public service awareness campaign. Antihero Danny Trejo, who starred in AMC’s Breaking Bad and movies such as Con Air, Machete and Spy Kids, cared for a friend with cancer. He shows in the TV/video spots that even tough guys can care for loved ones. “Caregiving is tougher than tough,” he says in the campaign’s tagline. Lets take a look further...

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Financial Help for Caregivers of the Sandwich Generation

Sandwich Generation caregivers may find themselves in very stressful circumstances, as they are often saddled with the burden of their own kids as well as aging parents. Here are some creative tips that you may not know:

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Know the Physical Signs of Alzheimer’s Symptoms

Physical signs can be your first warning that some type of dementia is developing. Let’s look at the physical signs of Alzheimer’s Disease:

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Things to Consider Before Moving Aging Parents Into Your Home

If you have aging parents and the time has come for them not to live by themselves any longer, you will likely need to decide whether or not to move them in with you. Let’s look at some key points to consider when making this decision…

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Animal Shelter Partners With Elderly Care Facility To Save Both Orphaned Kittens And Elders

by​ Giedrė

When an animal shelter in Arizona needed extra help taking care of the newborn kittens, they made an unexpected decision and turned to a senior care facility for help. “To some, it may seem peculiar at first: Residents who are in need of around-the-clock care themselves, given the task to care for these young kittens,” says Catalina Springs Memory Care Executive Director Sharon Mercer. “But there are skills, emotions, and needs that do not just leave a person with Dementia or Alzheimer’s. The desire to give love and receive love remains.”

The program who was created by the health services director Rebecca Hamilton. In addition to caring for the elders, the woman also volunteers to foster felines. She noticed that taking care of cats was bringing her a lot of joy and happiness, and knew she had to share it with the seniors.

The initiative proved to be a success, as the overall condition of both the kittens and the elderly has improved. The elders were asked to take care of two newborn cats, Turtle and Peaches, and both of the kittens have doubled in weight. As for patients of the memory care facility, “The kittens have given us the opportunity to nurture this human condition that lies in each and every one of our residents,” says Mercer. The joy that the elderly get from bottle feeding, socializing, and cuddling needy newborns is immense – and the kittens feel grateful too.

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Lowering Blood Pressure with Healthy Foods

With more than 75 million Americans having been diagnosed with high blood pressure, it has become one of the most common health issues among adults. Here are a few nutritious products that can help you bring that pressure down!

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‘Elder Orphans’ Have A Harder Time Aging In Place

Why we need more services for those without family

By Carol Marak

Thriving in a place that’s safe and comfortable, surrounded by cozy memories is a natural desire of older adults. We treasure independence and want a space to call our own, and we prefer that place to reflect the person we’ve become. We understand that aging bids compromise, and once 65 hits, the changes bring reminders that we’re no longer the same. We don’t move as quickly, we don’t multitask as well, nor do we easily adapt. Those are the simple cues. As we age, the physical and mental challenges delivered through loss, immobility and dependence are the ones that put us at higher risks.

However, the effects of aging land harder on an “elder orphan,” because the worry and concern of “what will become of me if I can’t care for myself?” triples when no one is around. An elder orphan has no adult children, spouse or companion to rely on for company, assistance or input. About 29 percent (13.3 million) of noninstitutionalized older persons live alone. The majority of those are women (9.2 million, vs. 4.1 million men).

The stresses of living alone will likely worsen for the boomers as a group since we have fewer children, more childless marriages and more divorces compared to earlier generations.

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Related Article: The Elder Orphans

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How Seniors Can Improve the Quality of Their Sleep

As we age, we are at greater risk for certain diseases, and seniors are especially vulnerable to high blood pressure, kidney disease, strokes and diabetes. That risk increases if they are not getting proper rest. There are many ways to prepare for rest and these tips are especially beneficial for seniors!

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The Benefits of Pets for Alzheimer’s Patients

For most people, the sight of a playful dog brings a big smile to their face. Especially those suffering with Alzheimer’s Disease. Studies show with overwhelming evidence that depression and anxiety are greatly reduced by the presence of pets.

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Signs That Your Aging Parents Need Financial Management Help

Unfortunately, it’s a sad reality that aging parents often end up in financial duress. There are many signs that should alert you that something is going on behind the scenes, signaling for intervention. Let’s look at a few….

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Our elders are lonely – do we care?

By Mary Rezac

Denver, Colo., Oct 18, 2016 / 04:02 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- It was August in Rome, the dog days of summer, and most people had left the Eternal City for the beach or another summer holiday destination.

It happens every year, essentially slowing the city to a crawl for a good two weeks or more. It can be a lonely time, especially for the elderly who no longer travel.

That’s when, on August 2, Italian police discovered Jole, 89, and Michele, 94, a couple living in the Appio neighborhood of Rome. Feeling particularly lonely, having had no visitors for some time, the couple’s sobs became so loud that concerned neighbors called the police, who found no crime on their arrival, just two very lonely people.

Besides offering medical assistance, the police decided to offer some comfort as well.

“They improvised a cozy dinner. A plate of pasta with butter and cheese. Nothing special. But with a special ingredient: Inside, there is all their humanity,” the Facebook post from the Italian police says.

Sadly, the problem of loneliness among the elderly is not just confined to the summer holidays in Rome - it is a growing problem around the world.

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Related Article: 10 Interesting Facts About Senior Citizens

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Understanding the Hidden Costs for Caregivers

It’s vitally important that if you’re planning on becoming a fulltime caregiver to your aging parents, you understand the costs and all that goes into it. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at all these issues.

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Helpful Hints for Delivering Bad News to Senior Parents

Delivering bad news is tough, no matter who it is. It’s especially tough when you must deliver it to a family member or senior parents. Our tips can help you know how to talk about negative news with honesty and compassion. Read on for more info….

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Letting Go of Guilt and Getting Help With Caregiving

If you can’t remember the last time you got a full night of sleep, had a nice relaxing meal or you have more to-do lists than you can possible manage, this article might just be for you!

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5 Tips for Caregivers to Take a Break

If you are a caregiver to an elderly loved one, it’s very important that you learn to take care of yourself as well as your patient. Let’s look at some tips that will help you through not only caring for your loved one, but also for yourself.

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Signs Your Elderly Loved One Is Hiding Dementia

It’s important to know the ways that many elderly people might try to hide their symptoms, but it’s even more important that they get the proper help and treatment. Let’s look at some of the following ways they may try to hide dementia:

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How Seniors Can Avoid the Hazards of Winter

While we’re all affected by bitter cold, snow and ice, the dangers our seniors are exposed to are very real for those of us who are caregivers, or just concerned family members. But the good news is, with a little planning and preparations, it doesn’t have to be scary time of year.

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Deciding When Your Senior Loved One Should No Longer Drive

It’s a hard decision to make. When do you take the car keys away from the senior in your life? Here are a few things to think about when considering the right time for your senior loved one to stop driving:

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Why Elderly Ones Need a Daily Routine

Most seniors need structure in their days and begin to feel a bit insecure without it. A daily routine they can count on does wonders in providing a sense of safety against the unknowns. Here are just a few of the ways seniors benefit from a structured daily routine:

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Are You Providing Care for an Aging Parent or Loved One?

Caregiving is a hard job that can have a negative impact on marriages, careers and emotional wellness. Those who care for loved ones must be sure to care for themselves, too. Here are some essential suggestions for caregivers:

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Important Questions to Ask Yourself Before Becoming a Caregiver to Aging Parents

If you are considering becoming a caretaker for your aging parents or other family member, there are a few questions you should ask yourself in preparation for this important role. It can be very demanding, but also wonderfully rewarding.

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Awareness and Fall Prevention Tips for Seniors

Winter is upon us and now is the perfect time to for caregivers of seniors, as well as friends and family, to become familiar with the risks of senior falling.

Here are some stats from the Center for Disease Control:

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How to Find a Home Care Helper for Your Aging Parent

The key to choosing the ideal home care agency is knowing the amount of care needed by your mother or father. Listed below are some pointers for selecting a home care agency for your loved one:

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