Older adults can be harmed at home due to inadvertently taking too much medication. This risk is greater with dementia because the person may not recall if or when they had taken their last dose. So, they take it again and sometimes, even again. Or, he or she may take the wrong medication or get confused about the instructions, such as not understanding that they can take two drugs together if one label read “every 12 hours” and the other “twice daily.”

Having a stroke can be a scary and life-altering event that can affect people of all ages. Often times the effects of a stroke can be long lasting. Fortunately, knowing the signs and symptoms of a stroke can lead to quick interventions that can prevent lasting complications.

Although not as severe or prevalent as among younger people, substance use disorders by older adults (65+) is happening and can create an equally negative impact on the older adult and their family. 

Eating healthy and clean has become a large part of our pop culture since the organic movement decades ago. Articles are published every day about what the new superfood is and what we should eat to fill our bodies with vitamins and antioxidants. Most superfoods do provide heaps of nutrients, yet there is a dark side to these superfoods for some people with chronic diseases. Here are four foods that can cause issues:

Almost every morning during my summer vacations as a kid, my parents and I would ride together on the boardwalk along the New Jersey shore. 

Maybe you’ve noticed Mom forgetting to turn off the faucet after washing dishes or Dad having difficulty using stairs. You think it might be time to talk to them about finding some additional help, but you don’t know the best communication techniques to use. 

Being a caregiver has many demands – both physically and emotionally. In addition to the responsibilities of caregiving, you may deal with work deadlines, social isolation, financial issues and/or medical conditions.

As you develop a long-term care plan for yourself or a loved one, several factors must be considered, such as one’s current and future medical needs, family support system and budget. Since 90% of people 65+ want to stay in their homes for as long as possible, in-home care is a popular option.

Sleep and mental health have a strong connection that can turn into a perplexing and complex relationship when sleep deprivation and mental health problems occur simultaneously. It becomes hard to determine where one issue ends and the other begins. When you are facing health problems related to aging that are interfering with your sleep patterns, it’s important to take action to ensure you’re getting quality rest. It’s also crucial for the mental health of caregivers to do the same.

Through the years of working with people in various care settings, I have always been aware of how most older adults identify as patriotic. It’s a common experience to see them singing along with “God Bless America” and “This Land is Your Land.” And, they almost always place their hands on their hearts and stand out of respect, even those who have limited mobility. I have always been extremely inspired by their allegiance to the flag, but also curious about their motivations behind this behavior.