MEDICAL HEALTH
Supporting your loved one’s health and medical issues is one of the most daunting tasks for a caregiver. Here are some resources to help with this critical challenge.
Here are a nutritionist’s favorite tips that caregivers can use to manage the common challenges in their loved one’s appetite and eating habits.
Alzheimer's disease can impact various aspects of a person's health, including changes in appetite and taste. Here’s an overview of what to expect.
Lack of water, called dehydration, can be quite dangerous and can lead to decrease blood volume, which lowers the amount of blood sent to the major organs of the body, especially the kidneys. Therefor it is especially important for an older adult to keep up his or her fluid intake. Here’s how to do it.
Identifying and engaging with a medical team that you can count on can make a big difference for you and your loved one. Here is an overview of the types of healthcare professionals you may want to seek out as part of your “caregiving village”.
A so-called “family history” is not always associated with developing the disease — it is likely a combination of genetic, other medical, and lifestyle risk factors.
There is scientific evidence that in some cases, genes can play a role in the development of Alzheimer’s disease. The most common gene that increases the risk of Alzheimer’s is known as “APOE”. Here’s a list of commercial companies that test for the presence of the gene.
If you are feeling anxious, the first step to take is to break the cycle of your body’s stress response. Relaxation Breathing is a powerful technique for doing that.
One of the biggest responsibilities that comes with caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease is keeping them safe. This can be challenging as Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease, and so it can be hard to know when your loved one’s capabilities have declined to the point that you can no longer leave them safely alone by themselves. Here are some signs that indicate it is no longer safe to leave your loved one alone in the house.
Many caregivers say that coping with incontinence is one of the most challenging parts of their duties. But with patience, compassion, and the latest tools, you can manage this challenge while preserving your loved one’s privacy and dignity.
Hallucinations can be caused by diseases like Alzheimer's, which change the way the brain interprets what is seen or heard. Hallucinations can be very convincing, with the result that our loved ones have a false understanding of what they are seeing or hearing. Here’s how to cope.
People with Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders (ADRD) often have problems with sleeping or may experience changes in their sleep schedule. Scientists do not completely understand why these sleep disturbances occur, but as with changes in memory and behavior, the impact of disease on the brain can result in changes in sleep.
When you live in a place as beautiful as Florida, being outdoors is appealing. It is the Sunshine state after all. But as usual…too much of a good thing can be bad for us. And the sun is no exception. The risk of developing skin cancer is directly related to sun exposure over the years.
The months of June, July and August mean months of heat, humidity -- and hurricanes! -- and present potential risks. But as your mother always said, “An ounce of prevention…”
As summer temperatures climb into the 90s, older people are in danger of conditions caused by extreme heat, such as dehydration and hyperthermia, which can lead to heat exhaustion and its most serious form, heat stroke.
About 60% of your body is made up of water. All systems in your body rely on water to function properly. Not having enough water in your body can reduce your energy and make you feel tired and dizzy, and can harm your kidney function. Here’s how to stay hydrated.
Research suggests that there are things that you and your loved one can do to boost your brainpower. This includes regular exercise, social interaction, and a healthy diet.
For decades the main options for “treatment” for Alzheimer’s disease have been limited. But several new potentially beneficial options are emerging.
A critical part of your loved one's health and safety is wearing a wristband with important medical information that can alert others in the event that you are not there.
Helping your loved one take their medicine correctly is one of the most important tasks of a caregiver. Here are some tips on how to stay on track.
Following a program of taking medicines is critical to managing your loved one’s care. Here are some rules of the road for getting the most out of medications and staying safe.
Being admitted to the hospital can be a stressful and confusing experience for both you and your loved one. Here are some key tips to employ before, during, and after a hospital stay.
We are all used to eating 3 meals a day, but did you know it may be better to eat more often? Eating six small meals a day refuels the body with smaller amounts of energy throughout the day, thereby reducing the number of ups and downs in your energy level.
Medication safety involves two key areas that need to be monitored closely: First, is the medication safe? And second, how difficult is it to add into your daily routine?
While Alzheimer's disease develops slowly over many years and every person has a unique path through the illness, there are some common symptoms. These collections of symptoms have been grouped into various stages of disease progression.
The normal process of the aging mind is very different from the group of illnesses called dementia, a group of brain diseases in which brain function is significantly declined.
Caring for someone with both diabetes and dementia care is a difficult task. Here are some of the steps you can take to help a loved one with these conditions.
While each person’s journey through Alzheimer’s is unique, most people experience some common symptoms in a similar progression. Understanding these common symptoms for Early-Stage Alzheimer’s (FAST Stage 3) can help you and your loved one cope with the changes.
While each person’s journey through Alzheimer’s is unique, most people experience some common symptoms in a similar progression. Understanding these common symptoms for Mild-Stage Alzheimer’s (FAST Stage 4) can help you and your loved one cope with the changes.
While each person’s journey through Alzheimer’s is unique, most people experience some common symptoms in a similar progression. Understanding these common symptoms for Moderate-Stage Alzheimer’s (FAST Stage 5-6) can help you and your loved one cope with the changes.
As an Alzheimer's caregiver, you have been asked to live the “long good-bye” – watching your loved one slowly being lost as their mind moves through its relentless decline. Once the disease progresses towards the “severe” or “late” stage, physical decline begins to take over and further reduce your loved one’s abilities. Your role at this time has never been more important, as you need to ensure that your loved one’s death is free of pain and excess suffering.