Having the elder abuse talk
Summary Although millions of older adults in America get abused each year, many of them are reluctant to talk about it. This article offers some tips for discussing elder abuse with an older adult, and gives information about what actions a caregiver can take if they suspect elder abuse. Reasons why elder abuse is under-reported […]
Caring for an older adult with kidney disease
Summary About 40% of Americans over the age of 60 have chronic kidney disease. This article describes the nature, common causes, and consequences of kidney disease. It then describes some of the main caregiving tasks specific to looking after an older adult with kidney disease. Caregiving and kidney disease About 40% of Americans over the […]
Caring for an older adult with depression
Summary Depression is the mental health problem older adults are most likely to develop, and their chances of experiencing depression go up as they get older. This article discusses the causes, symptoms, and treatment of depression in older adults. It then describes actions a caregiver can take to supplement the primary treatment. Depression in older […]
Assisted living facilities
Summary Assisted living facilities are residences for older adults who are still active but need help with some activities of daily living. This article explains what assisted living facilities offer, the differences between them and skilled nursing facilities (nursing homes), and when a person should consider moving into an assisted living facility. It then lists […]
Normal memory loss versus dementia
Summary Memory loss is a normal part of aging. If a loved one can’t remember where they left their keys, the password for a website, or the name of a former classmate, it does not necessarily mean there is a problem. As long as there is no underlying medical condition, memory lapses such as these […]
Manage providers and therapies
Summary Caregivers can feel overwhelmed by the many different medical professionals, health care providers, and therapies involved with the person receiving care. This article offers strategies for managing this aspect of caregiving. Know the providers and therapies Caregivers can feel overwhelmed by the many different medical professionals, health care providers, and therapies involved with the […]
Overview of home health assistance
Summary Hiring in-home help can give caregivers a much-needed break from their duties. This article offers basic tips on choosing a home health attendant and then describes the different kinds of in-home assistance available. Choosing a home health attendant Hiring in-home help can give caregivers a much-needed break from their duties. Before looking for in-home […]
Keep track of medical records
Summary Well-organized medical records help caregivers, doctors, and other health care providers give the best care to people. This article explains why keeping track of medical records is important and offers steps to take to carry this out. Why keep track of medical records? Well-organized medical records help caregivers, doctors, and other health care providers […]
Create a care plan
Summary A care plan is an essential caregiver’s tool that details a person’s care needs, organizes a caregiving team, and assigns the caregiving responsibilities. This article describes the typical components of a care plan and suggests a process for creating one. Care plan elements A care plan is an essential caregiver’s tool that outlines a […]
Meal delivery services
There are many meal delivery services available for older adults. Some meal delivery services like HelloFresh, Blue Apron, and Hungryroot supply most or all of the ingredients for people to cook the meals themselves. Other meal delivery services such as Factor and Home Chef supply pre-made meals that can be heated up in a stove […]