Caregiver Tips

Taking care of an ill or aging loved one requires a lot of physical and emotional energy. If you’re starting to feel run down or burned out, here’s what you can do to recover. Recognize the Signs of Caregiver Stress Caregiver stress is real and comes with a host of symptoms. You may feel: •

Acting as the primary caregiver for a loved one with Parkinson’s disease can be a challenge. Although a diagnosis brings significant changes to both of your lives, you can move forward with a positive outlook by following a strategic care plan. Learn About the Condition The more you know about Parkinson’s disease, the better equipped

Walking is a simple form of exercise many of us can do even as we age Here’s why you or your loved one should make time to walk every day as long as you have doctor approval to engage in light fitness activities.. Less Pain Staying active when suffering from arthritis provides much-needed nourishment to

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