Archive for Featured
In-Home Support Can Address Isolation and Loneliness in Seniors
Recently published research reports that social isolation can accelerate the aging process, thereby likely leading to an early death among the elderly.
Sleep’s Importance in Aging Well
Many think that as we get older, the need for sleep decreases but results from research are saying otherwise. While it is true that seniors’ sleep patterns change over the years, a full night’s sleep (7.5-9 hours), undisturbed, is as important as the emotional and physical state of their life. Sleep helps the memory process, [...]
It Takes a Village to Raise a Village
Image via Wikipedia New Elder Communities Take Root Where We Already Live. Written By: Christopher Van De Moortel, President Aging in Place and Senior Villages are beginning to sweep the country. Each “village” may vary slightly in their approach to helping seniors remain in their homes, but most have a combination of volunteer services and third [...]
Compulsive Hoarding Syndrome
Compulsive Hoarding Syndrome is often associated with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). It is a complex disorder, however – many hoarders suffer from other comorbid problems such as chronic depression, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD), dementia, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social phobia, or schizophrenia/paranoia.¹‚ ² Hoarding is neither simple, nor benign. As we talked about in an earlier [...]
Universal Design Enhances Home Care for Seniors
Home care for seniors continues to become more popular than it was 10 years ago, let alone a generation ago. As assisted living costs increase, so does the desire of the elderly and disabled to reside in an independent living environment; to age in place in their own homes, not some retirement community. Non-medical home [...]
Evidence of Medical Benefits of Non-Medical Care
Care for You has long believed in medical benefits of non-medical care, whether that care is delivered through simple companionship, household activities or cultural experiences.
How Do I Get Through To Mom That Compulsive Hoarding Is Unsafe?
Before you can tackle the hoarding issue, you do need to know what you’re dealing with. The causes of compulsive hoarding can be psychological or neurological. You really need a physician such as a neurologist or a mental health professional to diagnose your mom. An expert can also give you practical advice on how to keep a compulsive hoarding mother safe.
Caregivers Planning Guide
Caregiving for seniors can be complicated. Many of us, seniors included, will be called upon as caregivers of our loved ones.Finding resources and making decisions is not an easy task. The entire family should be addressing caregiving issues. If elderly parents are capable, by all means, involve them in an open discussion of issues directly related to their future.
Hoarding-Time to Clean Out the House
Our first encounter with the compulsive hoarding syndrome was in 1998 with a widow whose apartment management had notified residents that new windows were to be installed. Residents had to remove all furniture and other objects three feet from windows in front and two feet on either side. When we arrived, we found an apartment so filled with hoarding clutter it was nearly impossible to enter or get around.
Caring for the Caregiver
The dirty little secret of home care for seniors and the burdens it imposes on family caregivers are often not only not spoken of, they’re more often not even realized. Family members who are also caregivers often find themselves in the position of doing more, in more demanding situations, for longer periods, with less help. This article provides 10 things that caregivers can do to avoid stress and burn out.
