According to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, safety is the second tier of the pyramid just above the need for food and water. It is defined as “protection from elements, security, order, law, stability, freedom from fear.” When we think of creating a safe environment for our loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, the focus tends to be on elements of the physical environment that may be dangerous, but we often overlook the psychological aspects of feeling safe.
Read MoreTopics: Fall Prevention, Caregiving, Alzheimer's and Dementia
In a previous post, we discussed the clinical definition and dangers of hoarding disorder (HD). If you are unsure if your loved one has HD, the International OCD Foundation says the key feature of HD is disorganization to the point where the living spaces can no longer be used for everyday activities as they were intended.
Read MoreTopics: Aging, Fall Prevention, Caregiving, Healthy Living
While my grandma lived at her home, my mother and I would make it a point to stop by at least twice a week to help with the light cleaning, such as dusting and vacuuming. The underlying clutter we mostly left untouched until after my grandma died. What we found was amazing: a jar full of matches from various establishments, some ancient crackers and so on. I know, the situation could have been more challenging – she could have been hoarding.
Read MoreTopics: Aging, Fall Prevention, Caregiving, Healthy Living
Topics: Aging, Fall Prevention, Holidays, Activities and Lifestyle
Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that develops slowly over time. About 10,000,000 people around the world (including 1,000,000 in the U.S. and 55,000 in Canada) live with Parkinson’s. This is a long-lasting condition (up to 20 years) that has no cure. However, medications and therapies are available to help people manage their symptoms better.
Read MoreTopics: Fall Prevention, Healthy Living
When night closes in, keep your guard up. However, don’t waste time looking for monsters who lurk under the bed. Or, wait for restless ghosts to prowl the halls. Rather, be aware of the potential hazards that might cause nighttime falls. 
Topics: Aging, Fall Prevention, Safety
My husband calls it Arthur’s disease – his version of “Arthur-i-tis.” That’s his attempt to make light of the pain and limitations of the chronic condition that affects nearly every move he makes – sitting, standing, putting on socks and shoes, using a computer or playing the piano.
In the United States, over 54 million people have arthritis – that’s approximately one in four adults. In people ages 65 or older, that number grows to nearly one in two (49.7 percent).
Arthritis includes more than 100 different diseases and conditions that affect the joints. Arthritis causes aches and pains as well as swelling and stiffness around the joints. Specific symptoms vary by the individual and type of arthritis.
Read MoreTopics: Aging, Fall Prevention, Safety, Healthy Living
While some family caregivers gradually grow into their roles or are born into it, others can pinpoint the event that started their journey: Their father was hospitalized after a fall and needed more help at home, or their wife was diagnosed with an unexpected chronic illness.
Read MoreTopics: Aging, Fall Prevention, Home Care Planning, Caregiving, Finances, Technology, Safety
Nine out of 10 people 65 and older want to stay in their home as long as possible. However, many will need assistance to do so. That’s where in-home care comes in.
Home care helps seniors continue to live in their own home and continue to do all the things they love.
Read MoreTopics: Aging, Fall Prevention, Home Care Planning, Caregiving, Activities and Lifestyle, Safety
Walkers can help seniors remain independent and safe by providing stability and assurance. If not used properly, though, walkers and other assistive walking devices can cause the accidents they were meant to prevent. It’s crucial to select a walker suited to your needs, learn how to use it correctly and maintain the walker's integrity.
Read MoreTopics: Aging, Fall Prevention, Safety, Healthy Living
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