Category: Personal Care Topics

Your mom or dad loves tea and coffee, but drinking it without any sweetener is not acceptable. You think your parent is sneaking sugar into these beverages and want to stop it. When sugar isn't allowed, what can they replace it with? Before you run to the store, you should talk to your parent's doctor. While some feel sweeteners like agave syrup are diabetic-friendly, it is high in fructose, which makes it a risky alternative. Ask for the doctor's input...

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Keeping your elderly family member safe, warm, and well-fed is part of the basics of life. It’s also about comforting her. Winter is especially one of those times of the year when comfort is likely at the forefront of your thoughts. Here are some things you can do to prioritize comfort for your senior and for you. You Can Go Traditional Traditional comfort, especially in winter, is all about soft and warm. Things like lowered lighting, twinkle lights from holiday...

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Older adults with psoriasis typically experience symptoms intermittently. Periods when the condition is active are called “flare ups.” While the best way to manage psoriasis flare ups is by following the treatment plan set by the doctor, there are also things seniors can do at home to prevent flare ups from occurring. Below are 4 suggestions for keeping psoriasis flare ups at bay. #1: Use Moisturizers Dry skin makes the symptoms of psoriasis worse. To keep skin moist, older adults...

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If you are caring for a senior, there are many things you should know. One of the first things you should know is how to recognize if they need extra help. Many seniors need extra help but they don’t want to ask for it. They are too prideful, too shy, or they just don’t like to ask for help for any number of other reasons. If you can recognize the signs that the senior citizen in your life needs extra...

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Your mom and dad want to eat healthier, but they don't know where to start. They're not alone. People don't always understand how food labels can help them make better choices at the grocery store. It's not the only way to pick more nutritious items, but food labels are a good way to start. Three Things to Read Carefully on Labels Knowing what your parents should be limiting each day is an important step to using food labels. Older adults...

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As the temperatures creep up higher and higher, your senior is at a greater risk of developing heat-related illnesses. While these illnesses are dangerous, especially in light of health issues she may already have, you might be able to help your elderly family member to prevent some of these issues from becoming a problem for her. Encourage Her to Drink More Fluids Even if your elderly family member isn’t more active during the hotter months of the year, her body...

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Driving can be a big argument between caregivers and aging adults. You just want your senior to be safe, but she’s convinced that you’re trying to ground her. What might work is a compromise, but there have to be some guidelines in this compromise. Consider a few of these requirements in order to keep your elderly family member behind the wheel. Get Hearing and Vision Checkups If your elderly family member is having trouble with her hearing and her vision,...

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For most of your life your senior has probably been in much better shape than she is right now. It can be really difficult for you to come to terms with that fact. The closer you can get to acceptance, the better for both your senior and for you. Do What You Can to Remain as Positive as Possible Positivity is going to help you so much as a caregiver. This isn’t to say that you’re going to have to...

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It’s no secret that obesity has reached epidemic proportions in the United States. It’s a health problem that affects people of all ages, including older adults. Being overweight or obese is a risk factor for a whole host of health problems, including diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, some kinds of cancer, and mobility problems. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is even a risk factor for “all causes of death.” Because of its seriousness, scientists are...

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Multiple studies have found that there are several health benefits of owning a pet. Studies find pet ownership can reduce blood pressure and pulse rate. Higher levels of hormones associated with happiness are found in people who spend half an hour playing and interacting with a dog. People with pets as children are less likely to experience allergies to pet dander. People with Alzheimer's disease are less likely to remain agitated or anxious when a therapy dog is present. When...

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