Elder Care Cafe

Recent studies performed in the United Kingdom reveal elderly people require less sleep than do younger generations. How long a person sleeps at night is okay as long as he or she does not feel sleep deprived during the day.  The study also found that sleeping various (length) hours was okay as long as the person was not napping during the day. [Read more →]

There are many issues before us as we move into what the authors call the best half of our life. There are wills to write, plans to make as we consider what we will want or need if we become incapacitated, choices to consider as we age and possibly need to move into nursing homes or assisted-living facilities, or we go through an unexpected lifestyle change through divorce or the death of a spouse. [Read more →]

Most caregivers find out soon enough the stress caring for someone else can bring into their lives. What they may not realize is the toll that stress and chronic tension can take upon their body and mind. We discussed the two types of stress, acute and chronic, and what role they can physically in a caregivers life in the previous post.  This post will highlight how stress effects thoughts and emotions and how stress may affect you as an individual. [Read more →]

An area caregivers should keep an eye on in their own lives is the possibility of chronic tension and stress. As caregivers are caring for others, there is a possibility their own health may suffer. As most caregivers know, caring for someone who has their own health problems is quite a challenge. Over time a caregiver can become tense, muscles tighten, headaches develop, and their heart may begin beating more rapidly than is healthy. Unfortunately, if symptoms of chronic stress or tension are not attended to a stroke or heart attack may occur. [Read more →]

There are a number of considerations to take into account when looking for a nursing home. The best time to look for a nursing home is before you need it. Some people suggest adults over the age of twenty-one should be aware of the available options in their area in case of an emergency, such as rehabilitation due to an accident or health care crisis. [Read more →]

When families are looking for a nursing home for a loved one, their choices are quite often limited and they do not always know the quality of care their loved one will receive until it is too late. Now, there is a rating system that has been developed to assist families during this difficult emotional time. [Read more →]

Under ideal conditions, families should choose nursing homes with deliberation and care. Pertinent families members such as the patient and those closest who are familiar with the patients wishes should be involved in the discussion and decision. [Read more →]

Recently my eighty-seven-year-old father has shown increasing signs of dementia. Yesterday he had his quarterly visit to his primary care physician. Several of us in the family noticed Dad’s growing confusion, so I took the opportunity to see if we should ask for a referral to a local geriatric center for testing. [Read more →]

Today I visited Dad’s local Senior Center and enjoyed a surprisingly delicious luncheon and visited with longtime friends of my parents. During my visit, I picked up an interesting 2010 calendar. The calendar was produced by the Do1Thing website (link below), and opened my eyes to an interesting concept. [Read more →]

Through an unknown number of SNAFUs, I spent the last ten days struggling with the lack of a must have medication I have taken since the beginning of 1983. Between my doctors office, the pharmacy, and my own attempts at trying to get a much needed refill prior to my doctor’s appointment, my health was placed at risk. The reason I am even saying anything on this website is to remind everyone to keep track of all medications, when the refills will run out, and what information the pharmacy has regarding your prescription. [Read more →]

As our parents age, many of us find ourselves having to cope with our parents declining health. Not only do we need to help them deal with a growing number of health issues, but also make such decisions as whether they should stay in their own home, move in with a family  member, or relocate to an assisted living facility. To compound the stress, we all must try to work our way through the maze of a cumbersome health care system on behalf of our parent. [Read more →]

During the 1950s and 1960s most seniors either moved in with their adult children or an adult child or caregiver moved in with them when they were unable to care for themselves. Life expectancy was much lower and most families did not have to care for their family members beyond their 40s, 50s, or 60s. There were very few outside care facilities available. In fact, for many decades families took care of their own. [Read more →]

Because we are in the midst of flu and cold season, I thought I would provide a reminder of what to do in case you or a family member find yourself combating the influenza virus. Although most of the points are common sense, when we are feeling under the weather we don’t always remember what we are supposed to do or even feel like we have the strength to take care of ourselves. This can especially be a problem for those who live alone. Because you will probably be in bed for several days with fever and respiratory symptoms, here are several guidelines to follow. [Read more →]

God has given me a precious gift since we moved into our new home – the gift of Peace. Both Dad and I are feeling it, and are very much aware that we are living in a space filled with peace. As the new year descends upon us, I am preparing to write my goals as I do every year at this time. Also, I am reading and writing like never before. As a caregiver I would never have imagined what a change would come over my life in moving from one location to another. As someone said, we only moved seven miles, but what a change in attitude and emotions. I feel like the old homestead is far behind me as I look through the rear view mirror of life. [Read more →]

Along with the goals and objectives I am developing for the coming year as mentioned in yesterday’s post, I am also including healthy aging as a priority for both Dad and myself. As a caregiver, I need to stay healthy in order to better help the one I am caring for. Here is a brief look at healthy aging. [Read more →]