Nursing homes are not the only option when your loved one needs nursing and personal care. Home care is the safer nursing home alternative.
Sept. 18, 2019 - Everyone who is able should get a seasonal flu (influenza) vaccine every year. This includes seniors. Over 60 percent of seasonal flu-related hospitalizations occur in people 65 years and older.
August 12, 2019 - Getting out of the house is important for a senior's physical and mental health, but sometimes seniors face many challenges when it comes to "running errands." Here are some tips for making outings easier.
August 3, 2019 - Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes raised, red patches and can have an impact on overall health. Helping seniors manage psoriasis symptoms improves their quality of life.
July 26, 2019 - About one in three people between the ages of 65 and 74 have hearing loss. Nearly half of seniors over age 75 have difficulty hearing. Here are some ways you can spot potential hearing loss in your senior loved one and help them stay safe.
July 16, 2019 - Following surgery, whether minor or major, people often face a challenging list of orders and limitations. Belvedere Home Care’s post-surgical caregivers serve all people in recovery, whether it is from heart surgery, joint replacement, cancer treatment or other medical issues.
June 7, 2019 - Seniors with cognitive impairments, whether the result of dementia, stroke or brain injury, not only require specialized care, each case is unique. The need for 24-hour care and monitoring can be taxing on family caregivers.
May 28, 2019 - While arthritis may seem like an inevitable part of aging, treatment has come a long way in helping those with arthritis live more productive and pain-free lives. There are things you can do every day to fight the symptoms and effects of arthritis.
April 22, 2019 - How do you help a senior loved one who insists that they don’t need help? It's a challenge many families have to face. Here are tips for getting started with home health care when a senior who insists they don't need help.
April 8, 2019 - Traveling with a senior who has mobility issues, cognitive disorders or medical needs can be challenging, but a little planning, preparation and patience go a long way toward a successful vacation for everyone.
April 2, 2019 - Although you may have to do some cajoling to get them back out of their shell, seniors benefit from staying active and having a sense of community. So how can you help a senior loved one break out of an isolated rut?
March 19, 2019 - By age 70, chronic pain affects 79% of women and 53% of men. Seniors often wrongly assume that being in pain is just a normal part of aging that they have to tolerate, but in many cases it can be managed for dramatic improvements in everyday life.
Dec. 14, 2018 - Less sugar, less salt and less fat mean fewer familiar options at the traditional holiday table. But there are ways to enjoy without overindulging or getting off track. If you are a caregiver for someone on a restricted diet, here are some basic tips for healthier holiday eating!
Nov. 29, 2018 - From falls on slick, icy sidewalks, driving on dangerous roads and the risks of fires and carbon monoxide poisoning there are many winter safety hazards for seniors. Plus, seniors are at greater risk for hypothermia, and constant cold can make them more vulnerable to illness.
Nov. 2, 2018 - After an injury, illness or surgery, your senior loved one may be facing an uphill battle for recovery without some assistance in the home. Home health care services can help with anything a patient needs to speed their recovery.
Sept. 24, 2018 - Is your senior loved one restless? Wandering at night? Napping all day? Chances are they are experiencing the sleep disturbance insomnia. While insomnia affects about 50% of senior adults 60 and older, there are ways to alleviate its symptoms.
August 30, 2018 - The day-to-day management of diabetes, from cooking healthy meals to following testing and medication schedules, can prove difficult for seniors who may also be coping with other health conditions and mobility issues.
August 24, 2018 - If your loved one has difficulty reading, or has moved their furniture closer and closer to their TV, they may be having vision issues. Here are some simple and inexpensive steps that can make home life safer for seniors with vision issues.
August 17, 2018 - With advances in technology, from smartphones to wearables to whole-home systems, it’s easier than ever for caregivers to keep tabs on elderly loved ones, even from across the country. Technology offers not just safety and security; it can help seniors from feeling isolated.
August 10, 2018 - For seniors with health issues such as high blood pressure or diabetes, following a prescribed diet is essential if they want to stay healthier longer. Restrictions such as low salt or sugar can be more difficult for seniors because as we age, we lose some sense of taste. So how can we keep seniors happy AND healthy at mealtimes?
July 27, 2018 - Sundowning is a common symptom of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Those caring for loved ones in the mid-stage to advanced stages may find that restlessness, agitation, irritability, or confusion get worse in the late afternoon and evening. Here are some tips for managing sundowning behaviors.
July 4, 2018 - For a senior loved one, independence can mean a lot of different things. It may be tied to their ability to drive or to take care of their bills. It may just mean getting to stay in their own home, living their own life, rather than going into an assisted living facility or nursing home. Whatever your senior considers to be their independence, it’s important to have respect and care for that aspect of their life.
June 28, 2018 - When the summer heat is on, it’s easy to become dehydrated, and this is especially true for seniors. Seniors are at higher risk for complications and hospitalizations related to dehydration. It's important to keep an eye on your senior's diet to make sure they are getting adequate fluids to maintain good health.
June 21, 2016 - No one likes to talk about their finances, especially if the conversation is casting doubt on their ability to manage money. For many seniors, managing their own finances is key to their feelings of independence. It’s important to keep tabs on a senior loved one’s finances to ensure that they have the money they need to live today and for the years to come.
June 14, 2018 - With families being more far-flung and mobile than ever before, it's not unexpected that some caregivers have to participate and offer support from afar. It can be a challenging role to manage.
June 8, 2018 - Hot weather brings health risks for seniors, even if they are spending most of their time indoors. Each year, most people who die from heat-related causes are over 50 years old. But there are some simple and inexpensive ways to help keep your loved one cool, comfortable and healthy this summer.
June 1, 2018 - New Medicare cards are going out to millions of seniors across the country, and scammers are taking advantage. Learn how to help protect your senior loved one.
May 4, 2018 - Once you decide that home care is the right decision for you, it's time to prepare your loved one and their home for the new caregiver and the new routine. Here are some tips that can make the transition to home care easier for you, your loved one and your caregiver.
April 26, 2018 - How can you tell when a senior loved one is no longer a safe driver? While age alone can’t predict driving ability and safety, getting older can mean slower reflexes, vision issues and health conditions that may impair driving ability. Here are some questions to help you assess their driving skills and safety.
April 13, 2018 - Vaccines are especially important for adults ages 65 and over. As you age, your immune system weakens and less able to fight off illness and infections. Seniors are more vulnerable to flu, pneumonia, and shingles and other illnesses that can come with long-term, or even fatal, complications.
April 3, 2018 - Your healthcare team can help you decide what level of medical care your loved one needs but deciding that a senior needs help with household tasks can be trickier. But more than just unsightly, a dirty or cluttered house is a health hazard for seniors.
March 23, 2018 - Spring cleaning is a great way to sweep out the winter doldrums and welcome the fresh, new season with a clean and organized home. For caregivers whose loved ones have health and mobility issues, it’s also a good opportunity to assess their health and safety.
February 26, 2018 - For seniors who are homebound, loneliness is more than being sad or having a bad day; it can seriously impact their health.
February 8, 2018 - For seniors living at home, pets can be an important part of their daily lives. More than just companionship, pets can help reduce stress, increase activity, lower blood pressure and increase social interaction.
January 26, 2018 - In the winter months, when you aren’t feeling summer’s heat, it can be easy to forget that you need to drink.
January 14, 2018 - At the beginning of each year, we reflect upon everything that has changed in the last 12 months and plan ahead for what the New Year will bring. It’s also a time many of us make the resolution to be more organized or to stop procrastinating.
One task that many families put off far too long is estate planning. If you are taking steps now to get your finances and taxes and budgets settled for the new year, stay in that paperwork-and-planning mind frame and make sure that your…
November 30, 2017 - Caregivers and patients need the support of everyone around them for a safe and healthy holiday season.
If you’re a caregiver, make sure everyone is aware of dietary restrictions and any dangers deviations may pose. If everyone thinks they are the only one offering a diabetic just a little piece of dessert or a sip of wine, for example, it won’t take long for trouble to set in. Make sure your family and friends are helping you support your loved one’s good health.
February 27, 2017 - As the temperatures drop we stockpile firewood, check the weather stripping and pull the snow shovels out of the garage rafters. Don’t forget to get your senior loved ones and their homes ready for winter weather, too!
Winter is full of hazards for seniors, from increased falls to hazardous driving to dangerous wind chills. A few easy steps can help you all be prepared and ready for the long season ahead.
