Caregiving for a Family Member at Home: Asking for the Help You Need

Alzheimer’s caregivers often resist asking for help because they feel that no one can take care of their loved one like they can, or they feel a sense of guilt when considering asking for caregiving assistance because it seems they should be able to cope. In reality, providing constant 24/7 care without a break takes […]

Finding Me Time: Combating Stress for the Alzheimer’s Caregiver

You’ve put in a long day at work, taken the kids to practice, gotten food on the table. You’d love to kick back and relax, but your day isn’t over. As a caregiver for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease, it can often feel like your day never ends, and stress and lack of sleep […]

In-Home Care Help for the Hidden Patient – the Alzheimer’s Caregiver

Caring for a loved one who has Alzheimer’s is a challenging job. Standing in front of your mother, father, or any person you care deeply about and having him or her look at you with no recognition at all is a heartbreaking feeling. Alzheimer’s caregivers push this heartbreak and pain aside each day and go […]

Osteoarthritis 101: Learn the Basics

Arthritis doesn’t only happen to the elderly. It is true that as one ages, the prevalence of osteoarthritis increases, but that doesn’t mean arthritis strikes only the elderly. Inflammatory arthritis, which occurs because it runs in one’s family, is most common in middle age, occurring after age 45. Here are some more basics about osteoarthritis: […]

Treatment For A Loved One After a Muscle Disease Diagnosis

It is important to keep in mind the various forms of treatment that can help a loved one stay strong and independent for as long as possible. For example, a physician directed exercise program along with physical and occupational therapy can help a person stay strong and make the most of the abilities he/she still […]

Maintaining Independence After a Muscle Disease Diagnosis

Helping a loved one diagnosed with muscle disease such as ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) remain as independent as possible is one of the greatest gifts you can give as a caregiver. As the disease progresses and loss of function begins to occur, it is easy to fall into the trap of doing everything possible for […]

Incontinence and Diet

Incontinence isn’t about drinking too much water, but your loved one’s diet could be affecting his or her incontinence symptoms. The following foods and beverages may irritate the bladder, and should be reduced or avoided by those who experience incontinence: Caffeine Citrus fruits Alcohol Chocolate Artificial sweeteners Spicy foods Carbonated beverages Bladder-Friendly Foods The following […]

Urinary Incontinence, Truth vs. Fiction

Urinary incontinence can be an embarrassing subject for those who experience it. The stigma behind the disorder often leads to patients having either a lack of information or believing in some common myths about incontinence. The following are some incontinence myths and the facts to go with them: Myth: Urinary incontinence is inevitable with age. […]

Elderly UTIs: A Serious Issue That Home Care Can Help

For older adults, urinary tract infections (UTIs) aren’t a wee problem. They can actually cause serious health problems if left untreated. And, unfortunately, elderly individuals are vulnerable to UTIs for several reasons. According to the National Institutes of Health, the following conditions make the elderly more susceptible to UTIs than younger people: Diabetes An inability […]

Warning Signs: Does Your Elderly Loved One Have a UTI?

Urinary tract infections, or UTIs, are pretty simple to cure, but for elderly individuals they can be difficult to diagnose. Because UTIs can often cause behavioral changes that mimic those of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, it is important to know and be able to spot the warning signs of a UTI to avoid misdiagnosis. The […]