Caring for an elderly parent is a challenging responsibility for any family, but for an only child, it can feel overwhelming. Without the support of siblings to share the demands of senior care, the burden often falls entirely on one person, creating immense pressure. Managing a parent’s care alone can take a significant toll on an adult child’s health, emotional…
As we age, our nutritional needs evolve, making it essential to adjust our diets accordingly. Maintaining a balanced diet remains a cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle, especially for older adults. Selecting the right foods ensures the aging body gets the vital nutrients, vitamins, and minerals it needs to thrive. It is important for people of every age to eat a…
Just as the body ages, so does the brain. While occasional forgetfulness is a normal part of growing older, seniors can actively engage their minds to support brain health. One enjoyable and accessible way to do this is through online games, which provide mental stimulation as well as entertainment. Certain online games challenge various areas of the brain, offering benefits…
As the sun sets, some seniors with Alzheimer’s disease may experience noticeable changes in mood and behavior. Irritability, agitation, restlessness, and confusion often intensify during this time, a phenomenon known as sundown syndrome, or simply “sundowning” or “late-day confusion.” While confusion and agitation are common symptoms of dementia, sundowning episodes significantly amplify these challenges. During the brighter hours of the day,…
Join historian Tim Wilsey as he takes us through The Fall and Holidays to celebrate some historical events and memories of days gone by. RSVP TODAY to save your spot Assisting Hands will email you out the zoom link prior to the talks. 630-809-6982 • [email protected]
Moving an elderly loved one into a nursing home is often a caregiver’s last resort. Nursing homes have a negative reputation, and seniors urge family members to avoid placing them in one. When their wishes are unfulfilled and seniors enter nursing homes, families are fraught with feelings of guilt. What are the reasons for nursing home placement? Nursing home placement…
Dementia, especially in the late stages, is a major cause of disability. Veterans who are diagnosed with dementia will eventually require assistance with personal care activities. Dementia care provides veterans and spouses with invaluable support as they pass through the stages of dementia. As a progressive brain condition, dementia causes a decline in memory, thinking, behavior and the ability to…
From breakfast potatoes to hummus-topped English muffins, breakfast can be an incredibly satisfying and nutrition-packed meal. Preparing a healthy breakfast for senior loved ones provides them with a range of health benefits—so do not skip their most important meal of the day! The term breakfast literally signifies the breaking of the overnight fast. Seniors who get a restful night’s sleep…
People often take their sense of taste, touch, smell, sound and sight for granted. It is when the senses deteriorate with age that individuals gain a greater appreciation for them. For seniors with dementia, a gradual decline in the functions of senses is common, making sensory stimulation activities helpful. How does dementia affect the senses? Dementia is a disorder that…
Watching movies may seem like a mindless activity for the elderly. In reality, however, spending a few hours streaming movies has remarkable benefits. When watching movies in the company of others, seniors are entertained, enjoy social interactions, and experience a range of additional benefits. What are the benefits of streaming movies? As the days grow shorter and colder, catching a…
