September 18, 2020 by
Disbelief. Shame. Awkwardness. Discomfort. Each one of these feelings can cycle through a family caregiver’s mind when a senior with dementia showcases disinhibited behaviors, such as:
September 14, 2020 by
While circus clowns and comedians may stir audiences to laughter over such stunts as slipping on a banana peel, there is nothing funny about falling when it comes to the elderly, who are at an elevated risk for serious injuries which could bring about a lengthy rehabilitation process. Not only that, but there’s a lesser known complication that typically arises from a senior’s fall: a fear of falling again which can be extreme enough to impact quality of life and health. (more…)
September 8, 2020 by
The COVID-19 pandemic put our world on pause, including, among a great number of other activities, medical appointments and procedures. In fact, approximately one-half of all adults either canceled or put off routine medical care and elective procedures since the beginning of the coronavirus crisis, leading physicians to grow concerned about the effects. (more…)
August 27, 2020 by
Researchers at the UC San Diego School of Medicine who thought they were examining connective tissue cell protein got quite a shock when they instead stumbled upon a treatment to eradicate the observable symptoms of Parkinson’s disease in mice. Not only that, but the treatment could potentially be useful in many different conditions that call for the need to replace damaged tissue: diabetes, spinal cord injuries, even coronary disease. (more…)
August 20, 2020 by
It can come seemingly out of the blue: you put your loved one’s favorite tuna sandwich on the table – light on the mayo, no onions – something which usually brings her happiness. But this time, she pushes the plate away and refuses to take a bite, insisting that you’ve poisoned the meal. (more…)
August 13, 2020 by
After months of isolating, quarantining, and distancing from family and friends, stay-at-home orders have been relaxed. However, for senior citizens in particular, is it safe to think about going out? (more…)
July 22, 2020 by
Those diagnosed with COPD have needed to remain especially vigilant since the COVID-19 pandemic started, because they are likely at both a greater risk for contracting the virus and for developing more severe complications. A recently available study published by the European Respiratory Journal reported that people with COPD were more likely to be admitted into the ICU, require ventilator care, and succumb to the virus compared to those without the disease. (more…)
July 14, 2020 by
Loneliness. Isolation. Confusion. These feelings are becoming commonplace for many of us during the COVID-19 pandemic, but when you factor in the element of Alzheimer’s, the difficulties and frustrations are heightened to a whole new level. (more…)
July 6, 2020 by
In an ideal world, we might perfectly compartmentalize our caregiving duties, sticking to a routine that met the requirements of a senior loved one, while enabling the time necessary to manage our assortment of other responsibilities. But naturally, life does not always follow our desired script, and conflicting needs are not unusual when caring for an older adult. Many older adults balk at the need for help, while others may come to depend too heavily on an adult child, leading to unfulfilled expectations and ultimately irritation for both parties. (more…)
June 25, 2020 by
Searching through bins, cabinets, and closets, pulling out assorted items from drawers, and searching repetitively through a number of items might be frustrating for individuals providing care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s, but in reality these behaviors are fulfilling a purpose. Rummaging can supply a measure of comfort for those with Alzheimer’s, through identifying familiar items and finding purpose and meaning. (more…)