By Richard E. Ueberfluss, PT and edited by David Brimm — Updated March 27, 2026 Download One-page Room-by-Room Safety Checklist (printable) Introduction As people age, the home environment often becomes the site of the greatest risk for injury. Falls, medication/chemical poisoning, choking (dysphagia), and fire remain the most common and most preventable hazards. Recent advances—telehealth, smart-home devices, guided exercise programs,…
Choosing the right type of senior care service for an aging loved one requires a thorough understanding your options. In-home healthcare can involve either a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or a Home Health Aide (HHA), each offering different levels of medical assistance. Both CNAs and HHAs provide essential healthcare, such as changing soiled sheets and assisting with bathing, dressing, and…
Alzheimer’s takes a disproportionate toll on women, according to a report released from the Alzheimer’s Association. The report, as noted in USA Today, found that women are far more likely to develop the fatal disease than men: one in six women over 65 will get it during their lifetime, compared with one in 11 men. And, not surprisingly, women are…
A Senior Journal story related the fact that more than half of older Americans – those age 45 through 75 – take an aspirin every day, even though this use is not recommended by the Food and Drug Administration for most people who have not yet had a heart attack or stroke. The American Journal of Preventive Medicine quotes a…
By Richard Ueberfluss Clinical depression in the elderly is common. That doesn’t mean it’s normal. Late-life depression affects about 6 million Americans age 65 and older. But only 10% receive treatment for depression. The likely reason is that the elderly often display symptoms of depression differently. Depression in the elderly is also frequently confused with the effects of multiple illnesses…
Is your mother okay? Here are 4 tips to make sure you understand her physical and mental condition when you are together: Watch Your Mother. How is she walking? Is she moving slower than the last time you saw her? How does she look? Is she clean and groomed? We don’t mean that she has to be dressed like June…
In general, senior citizens are less distracted while behind the wheel than younger adults. In fact, more senior citizens wear their seat belts (as drivers and passengers), drive slower and in better weather condition, and do not drive after drinking. With all of those good driving habits, one would think that accidents among with senior citizens would be rare, but…
Perhaps you volunteer at a nursing facility, where seniors in varying conditions appreciate a smile and a few minutes of pleasant conversations. Or, you may have an elderly neighbor you haven’t gotten around to knowing just yet. You might even serve meals to the elderly in their homes when they are unable to venture out to grocery shop or cook….
Visit any family caregiver website and you will find an abundance of statistics proving that family caregivers are not alone, that care giving is difficult, and that if caregivers follow their general suggestions, “Make time for yourself,” you will be OK. Family caregivers average 21 hours per week providing care to needful loved ones and as time passes, additional hours…
Loved ones who suffer from a long-term decline of health benefit from the services of a trusted caregiver. Caregiving can span anywhere from months to years to decades. Over the long-term, the stress of caring for a loved one in addition to supporting one’s own family and children can take an enormous toll on the well-being of the caregiver, leading…
