admin_chc

As your loved one progresses to mid- or late-stage Alzheimer’s, he or she needs appropriate activities to stimulate the mind and minimize restlessness, wandering and unsettled emotions. Here are five ways to keep your loved one engaged. 1. Get Artistic Creative activities provide an outlet for self-expression if your loved one is no longer able

Safety can be a concern when your aging loved one wants to remain at home despite having difficulties with balance or mobility. Follow these tips to remove potential hazards so your loved one remains safe at home. 1. Create Space to Reduce Fall Risks Move anything your loved one could trip over or slip on,

Maintaining flexibility as you age helps prevent muscles from shortening and becoming tight. Try these safe, effective stretches designed to minimize pain, improve balance and reduce the risk of injury. However, before you start, make sure to consult with your doctor first. Smart Hip Flexor Stretch     Image via huffingtonpost.ca Aging hips are prone to

Sundowning is a condition sometimes experienced by those with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of late-stage and advanced dementia. Also called “sundown syndrome” or “late-day confusion,” sundowning involves changes in behavior during evening hours, and it appears to be triggered by fading light. Recognizing Sundowning If your loved one has sundown syndrome, he or she

Communicating with a person who has Alzheimer’s disease presents unique challenges. Here’s what you can do to make it easier to connect with your loved one. Set the Stage for Conversation When you want to talk to your loved one, approach from the front to avoid startling him or her. Since your loved one may

Illness and advanced age can cause mobility issues for your elderly loved one. If he or she needs a wheelchair to help with getting around, here’s what you can do to provide the best care. Prioritize Comfort Choose clothing your loved one can wear comfortably while sitting in a wheelchair. Look for items with elastic

Do your friends joke that you or your loved one are living in the past? That’s not always a bad thing! Research actually shows it could be quite good for you. Revisiting happy memories appears to have several positive effects on health. Eases Depression Scientists at the RIKEN Brain Science Institute tested the theory that

Criticism isn’t easy to deal with, and it can be even more hurtful when remarks come from a family member. It can be difficult to respond appropriately in the heat of the moment, but as a caregiver this is an important task. Here’s what you can do to avoid arguments and hurt feelings the next

Over 70 million inpatient and outpatient surgeries are performed every year in the U.S., and 1.4 million patients contract postoperative infections. These infections increase the likelihood of re-admittance from 7 percent to 41 percent and put additional financial burdens on patients. Registered nurses play important roles in preventing post-op infections by performing essential duties throughout

Proactive discharge planning makes it much easier to transition back to a home environment after a trip to the hospital. Whether the stay was anticipated or an emergency, take these three steps to ensure a successful return home. Be Clear on the Recovery Process The extent and requirements of the recovery process depend on the