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…
Losing a parent is like losing a part of who you are. It is important during their end of life journey that, when needed, 24 hour home care is available to your family. Not only will these services be immeasurably helpful for your mother or father, they will be there for you as well. When a parent is dying, whether…
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,…
Activities for your mom or dad can involve much more than playing BINGO, or sitting in a knitting circle and chatting. Today’s seniors are searching for home care services that include the independence to choose the lifestyle they want to live. Research indicates that adult children may not have to make many decisions for their mothers or fathers as they…
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…
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…
The most common reason for hip replacement for seniors is osteoarthritis. The weakness is causes may lead to a fall or another injury which can create an emergency need for surgery. If hip replacement is a choice, it’s recommended for your parent to review their options from their doctor. How to Strengthen the Hip After Replacement In some instances, a…
Loss or change of taste buds is not uncommon among elderly adults. Taste and smell help people determine their like or dislike of food, and they are interrelated. What Happens After the Loss of Taste and Smell If a senior loses the sense of taste or smell, eating becomes boring, almost senseless and one of two things may happen. The…
When considering putting a Do Not Resuscitate order (DNR) in place, home care providers suggest you and your parent understand what a DNR means. The DNR is a legal document written in tandem with the doctor’s order in the event that your parent were to stop breathing or go into cardiac arrest. A DNR indicates that no intervention procedures will…
Loving your parent is not a prerequisite to becoming their caretaker. Although you may feel responsible for their wellbeing, it may not be the best fit for you or your loved one. When professional caregivers were asked what tips they would provide someone considering home care this is what they shared. Caregivers must be advocates Not only are you advocating…
