Congestive heart failure makes it difficult for the heart to pump blood, fluid, and oxygen through the rest of the body. As a result of the weakened state of the heart and the strain on the circulatory system, fluid may accumulate in the extremities, lungs, and abdomen. Following through on daily home care, changing lifestyle habits, and attending regular medical check-ups can help seniors to avoid complications resulting from congestive heart failure. Professional caregivers can help to ease the pressure on seniors and their family members by providing assistance with in-home congestive heart failure management.

Originally posted on ComForCareFranchise.com

For seniors that live alone, pets can provide valuable emotional support and increase the quality of life. The type of pet that may best benefit an elderly individual depends on the ability of the individual to take care of the pet. For many, cats or smaller animals may provide company without the need for regular exercise that dogs require. Even fish may provide a welcome distraction from daily worries and help to promote positive emotions.

Dementia is most commonly thought of as a disorder that affects memory functions. However, dementia may cause other symptoms that are unrelated to memory that can be easy to miss, especially in early stages. Understanding some common early warning signs of dementia can help seniors and their family members to seek medical help early.

January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month, so it is the perfect time to find out more about this disease. It is estimated that about three million Americans have glaucoma, but many do not know. While there is not a cure for glaucoma yet, recognizing symptoms in elders can help to begin early treatment, which can minimize vision loss. Family members and caregivers should be alert for signs and should take seniors to a medical professional if any glaucoma warning signs are present.

As daylight hours get shorter and temperatures drop, many seniors begin to experience feelings of sadness, loneliness, and even anger. These feelings can occur in anyone during the colder, darker months of the year, but can be even more severe in seniors that live alone and go long periods of time with little to no interaction. These feelings can have a negative impact on eating and sleeping habits, and can affect energy levels. However, there are ways to fight off these winter blues and keep the enthusiasm alive.

A cancer diagnosis can change many aspects of daily care for elders. Patients often wish to remain at home after the diagnosis, as staying close to family and familiar surroundings can be comforting. However, changing needs may cause elders to need more regular and extensive care than family members are able to provide. Having a home care agency assist family caregivers with cancer care can help seniors to receive the highest quality care possible. After a cancer diagnosis, family members should take several steps to determine how to best provide home cancer care.

Aging does not automatically make driving an unsafe practice. However, driving can become dangerous when health conditions begin to impair senses and functions needed for driving. The following tips may help family members and caregivers ensure the safety of elders and others on the road.

The Golden Globe Awards was recently held and as is tradition, the young and the beautiful were in rare form. But what seems to stand out about this year’s winners is the number of actors and actresses who took home hardware that buck the decidedly youth-oriented trend that has been pronounced in award ceremonies of years past.

If the year’s first major award ceremony is any indication, the silver screen will begin to describe the performers in upcoming films every bit as it does the films themselves.

Falls are the most common cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries among older adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Thousands of American seniors perish as a result of fall-related injuries every year. Even when slips and falls are non-fatal, injuries such as hip fractures that impair mobility and create costly medical bills may result. It is important to take steps to prevent seniors from sustaining slip and fall injuries, especially during the winter.