Elder Care

A devastating disorder with no known cure, dementia affects more than five million people in the United States. In addition to the terrible toll it takes on its sufferers, the brain disease puts a heavy burden on caregivers. Because most dementia patients are cared for at home, it is often up to their adult children to take charge. Difficult even for medical professionals who have proper training, most primary caregivers have no idea how to proceed. With that in mind, here are five simple tips that should help.1. Don't Do It All Yourself!According to a recent survey by the Alzheimer's Association, about 40 percent of primary dementia care providers suffer from depression. If you are feeling anxious or overwhelmed, ask for help ASAP! The emotional stress that comes with caring for a person ...

The baby boomer generation is aging, and many people are faced with the difficult decision of whether to put their parents or spouses into nursing homes, or move into one themselves. According to a recent survey by the Center for Disease Control, there are over 16,100 nursing homes in the United States, serving close to 1.5 million residents. Even if entering a managed care situation is the best choice for you or your loved ones, the quality of care at these facilities can vary greatly.Here are five questions to ask nursing homes to help you decide which facility will be the best fit for your loved one.1. Is the facility accredited and certified?There are two important certifications to look for when choosing which facility is right for your loved one. The Joint Commission on the Accredita...

Is depression a factor in causing dementia, or does a dementia diagnosis lead to elderly depression? While the specific link is unknown, it is clear that depression is quite common among the elderly population with Alzheimer's disease and dementia.According to the Alzheimer's Association, experts estimate that up to 40% of seniors with Alzheimer's disease suffer from significant depression. Unfortunately, identifying depression in someone with dementia can be difficult due to overlapping symptoms, such as social withdrawal, isolation, trouble concentrating, impaired thinking and lost interest in activities and hobbies.It can also be difficult to spot depression as a result of Alzheimer's impact on a senior's ability to articulate sadness, hopelessness, guilt and other feelings associated w...

The Care Act 2014 is the most significant piece of legislation since the establishment of the welfare state.There is a shift from a duty to provide services to meeting needs and the local council's duty to promote people's wellbeing will now apply not just to users of services but also to carers. Because everyone has different needs they will not be able to provide a one size fits all but will have to consider the individual who is being assessed.A key part of the Act is focussed on preventing or delaying the need for support. So preventative services should be established and anything that is available within the existing community will be considered.People receiving care and support from a regulated provider, arranged by their council, whether in a residential setting or at home, will no...

Night care services can be a huge help in a variety of scenarios, including:• When you have an elderly family member who needs round the clock care• When someone in your home is very ill and needs assistance at night as well as during the day• When you have a loved one who needs nighttime assistance that you are not able to provide yourself.This service can encompass a variety of services that can mean direct assistance received as well as simply having someone to watch over a situation in case help is needed.Night Care Services are AvailableThis type of service can include various options, depending on the level of care required during the night. Some people require minimal care but feel better at knowing a carer is on hand for if assistance is required.Or, if more active needs have to be...

There comes a time in everyone's life when they begin to forget things. In the majority of instances other than normal forgetfulness, it is usually the senior generation that faces this problem. Children who are concerned over the safety of their loved ones would be inclined to visit with them more often. This would ensure that their basic needs are being met. Unfortunately, busy schedules won't allow everyone to do that and for those kids, the option of assisted living is there. Finding the right facility should not be difficult as long as you follow some very basic guidelines.Evaluating the NeedsBefore you start looking for the best senior living residences New Hampshire has to offer it is a good idea to understand the needs of your loved one. Make sure that the facility you choose will ...

The decision to place a loved one in a nursing home can be very difficult to make. In many cases, it truly is the best situation. Although the initial adjustment can be very difficult for the resident, in the end nursing homes can often provide more consistent and wholesome care for elderly adults. Many people have heard horror stories about nursing homes where the elderly are abused and neglected. These stories may make people worry about their loved one's wellbeing. While there are substandard facilities, there are many that are truly dedicated to providing quality care. Individuals that are wondering how to find a nursing home for their loved one should take a few things into consideration.Policies of the FacilityOne of the first things to look out for when choosing a nursing home is th...

Palliative care services have been gaining a lot of popularity these days as more people are opting for them. For those who do not know yet, it is a medical specialty that focuses on improving the lives of people suffering from life threatening diseases and providing them comfort. The concept in a nursing home is very similar to hospice where patients are made to feel comfortable at their death-bed. However, it is not reserved to dying patients but is also meant for those who have been facing difficulties due to serious illnesses. This care service can be provided to people of all ages suffering from any chronic, serious and life threatening illness.The National Council for Palliative Care has been set up as an umbrella charity for people involved in offering highest care and support to te...

Individuals have different reasons for celebrating the Fourth of July. The day may provide a much-needed day away from work or present an opportunity to host a cookout, but for many, especially seniors, the day is spent acknowledging the sacrifices made for our country to enjoy its independence.A brief history refresherJuly Fourth marks the birth of the United States. In 1776, the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, which is when the country's founders, including John Hancock, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin and Samuel Adams, fearlessly signed a parchment that declared independence from Great Britain. It stated the colonies should be free-free to make their own decisions and to govern themselves. They marked this momentous day with a ceremony that included a public ...