If you or your parent assumes that the only warning signs of a heart attack or cardiovascular disease are pain in the left arm and the feeling of an elephant on your chest, you may be surprised to learn that you don’t know all of the warning signs of heart disease. Research indicates there is not one clearly defined symptom…
Your mom or dad may appear to be in tip-top shape. However, it’s the little nuances that make you wonder if a little home care may go a long way to enhance their life and add a little vim and vigor to their step. If your parent has been living alone for a while, possibly after the loss of a…
Although you and your parent may have made a pact years ago that he or she would never be dependent on you, life does not come with guarantees. Occasionally as the adult child, you need to make decisions for your mom or dad, and sometimes that includes working with a caregiver. You know your parent does not want to move…
Aging adults often need more assistance as they grow older. Before you become your parent’s primary care provider, it’s important to understand if you are up to the job. Providing home care for elderly adults is just that – a job. You will be taking over daily tasks like bathing, dressing and toileting for them. Role reversal is not an…
Elder abuse is a major problem that seniors face as they age. Of course it’s wrong and often avoidable if care providers, including family members, are better educated. But consider how difficult it may be for you to take care of your loved one who may be acting erratic. Your parent may be suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s and the…
Flu season is upon us, even though it still feels like summer in many cities across the United States. If your parent is 65 or older, hopefully he or she has had a yearly flu vaccine already. In fact, a doctor may recommend they receive a high dose flu vaccine rather than the standard vaccine. Because the immune system is…
Your mother or father may be a vegetarian or a flexitarian, or a vegan by choice or chance. Those who have chosen to be vegetarian often discover conflict among some family members, physicians and home care agencies. The debate about the food pyramid is still strong among many in the healthcare industry. Many believe a well-balanced diet should include meat,…
You may be chuckling about some of mom or dad’s cravings for sweets and junk food and have determined it is due to age or a medically related issue. However, it’s suspected that many otherwise healthy seniors have vitamin deficiencies that cause such cravings. Were you aware that the lack of certain vitamins in your parent’s diet could cause them to…
Your mother or father may have been excited to become a grandparent. They may have been so excited that they were willing to help care for their grandchildren. However, the word “help” should have been defined. Think about this: Your mom or dad spent a good portion of their life raising their children, and now it is their turn to…
Whether the sun is shining or the sky is overcast, every day can be an overwhelming day for seniors as they age. Simple tasks like waking up and getting out of bed may be a challenge for your parent, and yet they may not be ready to face that daunting fact. Caregivers are all too familiar with how environments change…
