Terri Murphy

Mental Health & the Elderly

May 18, 2022

| Categories: Family, Health, Senior Care

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. While mental health concerns affect up to 1 in 5 Americans, it is often overlooked in our elderly population. It is estimated that 20% of people aged 55 years or older experience mental health concerns. The most common conditions include anxiety, severe cognitive impairment, and mood disorders such as depression. Often these concerns are disregarded as old age or frailty, however, this is not a normal part of aging and is a treatable medical condition. It's important...

Geriatric Medicine: Giving a Quality of Life for the Elderly by Dr. Veena Panthangi, MD

May 4, 2022

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| Categories: Challenging Diseases/illnesses/Conditions, Dementia/Alzheimer's Disease, Health

I'm thrilled to introduce you to this week's guest columnist - Dr. Veena Panthangi, MD. Dr. Panthangi is a family medicine physician with Ascension Michigan in St. Clair Shores, where she provides comprehensive care for her patients and also provides a chronic pain clinic for elderly patients. This week, Dr. Panthangi shares insights into geriatric medicine - with a particular focus on caring for the entire person. We think you'll benefit from her perspective and experience. Enjoy! - Terri Geriatric Medicine: Giving...

Spring Into Things!

April 27, 2022

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| Categories: Caregiver, Events, Exercise

Spring is in the air! Last week's warmer weather got me thinking about what a great time of year it is to take our clients out to enjoy the outdoors! In addition to the physical benefits of natural sunlight and fresh air, being outside provides mental and emotional benefits. Experiencing the outdoors increases socialization and provides opportunities for us to interact with children and animals. In this week's column, I'd like to share some of my favorite "senior-friendly" activities: Catch a...

You’re Retired. Now What? Guest Contributor Peggy Hayes of The Helm

March 30, 2022

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| Categories: Caregiver, Financial, Health

You're Retired. Now What? By: Peggy Hayes Executive Director, The Helm at the Boll Life Center So you’ve reached that stage in life where the R-word is beginning to sneak in. Should I retire? When? What will I do? It takes planning to retire successfully. Obviously, financial considerations are first and foremost in the decision to retire. Beyond that, you need to look at what you will do in retirement to keep your days full and purposeful. The Helm can help with that!...

Baby Step Your Way to Your Goals

March 23, 2022

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| Categories: Caregiver, Exercise, Family

We often kick off the New Year with goals to “change our lives.” Whether we want to lose weight, exercise regularly, or organize our homes, we jump in and give it all we’ve got. By the time spring arrives, many of us have abandoned the effort for achieving our goals - however, as our name implies, we have hope! Obtaining your goals does not have to be an all-or-nothing prospect and you may just need a change of perspective relative to your goal setting. Making small changes...

Making the Connection: The Mind-Body Experience

March 16, 2022

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| Categories: Health

What is the mind-body connection? And how can improving your mind-body connection enhance your quality of life and combat chronic illness? Studies have found that your thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and attitudes can positively or negatively affect your health. This is not a new concept. The correlation between mind and body and treating the body as a "whole" has been around for years. While modern medicine has benefited us through advances in surgeries, medications, and trauma care, we must not forget...

Companion Care at Home: Using Music To Cope Through Tough Times

February 2, 2022

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| Categories: Personal Care Topics

It has been shown that playing an instrument improves memory, spatial thinking, literacy, processing speed, capacity to plan, and other cognitive skills. Despite these advantages, learning to play an instrument is unlikely to be at the top of seniors' bucket lists. And why would you not? It is often due to a lack of ambition to study an instrument. Seniors and retirees sometimes believe they are too old to do such tasks. Naturally, this is not true. Even when a...

Haven’t Got Time for the Pain? Tips for Managing Chronic Discomfort

January 26, 2022

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| Categories: Caregiver, Challenging Diseases/illnesses/Conditions

Chronic pain is more common than you might imagine. Everyone experiences pain from time to time; Pain alerts us to potential health concerns and injuries. Chronic pain occurs when it lasts longer than 12 weeks. The National Center for Health Statistics approximates that 76.2 million Americans (1 in 4 people) regularly experience pain that lasts longer than 24 hours, and millions more have acute pain. It is the most common cause of Long-Term disability in the United States. Symptoms of...

Personal Care at Home: Working Out with Weights for Seniors

January 18, 2022

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| Categories: Exercise

January is Shape Up Month and if you have a senior loved one that wants to get healthy and active this year weight lifting or working out with weights should be part of their plan. Aerobic exercise is a struggle for many seniors, but resistance training or weight training may be easier. Weight training has some big benefits for seniors. Even just working with light weights can help seniors stop muscle loss, burn calories, and get fit. Having personal care...

Does Your Loved One Need Help? A Guide to Recognizing Red Flags for Our Aging Family Members

January 18, 2022

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| Categories: Caregiver, Family

It can be difficult to know when your aging loved one could use assistance in their home. The desire to maintain independence can make them more secretive. As things become increasingly challenging, they may hide or minimize incidents. The fear of losing independence can outweigh their ability to see the risks to their health and safety. The bottom line is many older adults find it difficult to accept they need help. When you visit your loved one, you need to...

Author: Terri Murphy

Mental Health & the Elderly

Geriatric Medicine: Giving a Quality of Life for the Elderly by Dr. Veena Panthangi, MD

Spring Into Things!

You’re Retired. Now What? Guest Contributor Peggy Hayes of The Helm

Baby Step Your Way to Your Goals

Making the Connection: The Mind-Body Experience

Companion Care at Home: Using Music To Cope Through Tough Times

Haven’t Got Time for the Pain? Tips for Managing Chronic Discomfort

Personal Care at Home: Working Out with Weights for Seniors

Does Your Loved One Need Help? A Guide to Recognizing Red Flags for Our Aging Family Members

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