Assisted living communities can seem intimidating, and many myths and misconceptions surrounding these facilities make them even more intimidating for many people. The truth is that these facilities provide a safe, caring environment for seniors who need help with some daily activities but still want to remain as independent and active as possible. Below are some of the most common misconceptions about assisted living, so you can make an informed … [Read more...]

According to data from the CDC, falls are the leading cause of injury among older adults, and they account for nearly 1 million hospital visits each year. But there are several simple fall prevention exercises seniors can do on a regular basis to reduce their risk of falls and stay as strong and healthy as possible.When performing any of the exercises below, you should always ensure someone else is home with you and available to help in case … [Read more...]

According to research from AARP, 20% of the U.S. population is considered a caregiver. And while some of those caregivers are paid professionals, a significant portion are spouses caring for their partner. As wonderful as it can be to care for someone you love, taking on the role of a caregiver can be overwhelming and exhausting, leading to what is known as spousal caregiver burnout.What Is Spousal Caregiver Burnout?Spousal caregiver … [Read more...]

It's a common scenario: you start taking a new medication and begin experiencing some weird new symptoms. Is it the medication or something else? Sometimes it's hard to tell, and in some cases, it may be both. Here are some things to consider that may help you figure it out.How Do I Know If My Medication Is Giving Me Side Effects?Check The LabelFirst, check the label or your medication guide for a list of common side effects. If you … [Read more...]

It's estimated that over 55 million people worldwide live with dementia, and that number is expected to increase as the population ages.While there is no cure for dementia, many proven interventions can help patients manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. These interventions can be divided into three broad categories: medical, social, and environmental.Medical interventions include medications that can help slow the … [Read more...]

The term “sundowning” is used to describe a set of behaviors, feelings and thoughts that typically occur in the early evening and is common among the elderly or those diagnosed with forms of dementia, including Alzheimer’s. “Sundowner Syndrome” can cause confusion, agitation, anxiety, and other troublesome symptoms that interfere with quality of life, overall happiness and the sense of well-being for the person affected.A person with … [Read more...]

For those living in assisted living or retirement facilities, there are typically many planned activities to help keep residents active and engaged. During more solitary or quiet times, looking forward to a daily challenge can make all the difference in a person’s outlook and may even contribute to increasing memory, reasoning and attention skills. The brain is often described as a “muscle,” and word games, such as the popular new daily game, … [Read more...]

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are annoyances for anyone who experiences them, but for seniors, this common infection can be especially concerning. Not only can the symptoms be more severe in older people, but they can also lead to serious health complications or even death if not promptly diagnosed and treated.Seniors are More Susceptible to UTIsUTIs affect those of all ages, but seniors are especially vulnerable. The American … [Read more...]