Dementia is not a specific disease—it’s a term that describes a group of symptoms affecting memory, communication, and the ability to perform everyday tasks. While every person’s experience with dementia is unique, the progression of symptoms tends to follow a pattern that can be grouped into three broad stages: early, middle, and late. Understanding these stages helps families and caregivers…
As we age, maintaining joint health becomes crucial for preserving mobility and overall quality of life. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 23% of adults in the United States—about 54 million people—have doctor-diagnosed arthritis, which often leads to pain, stiffness, and diminished functionality (CDC). Among older adults, 74% consider arthritis and joint pain a normal…
Key Summary: Hospice care focuses on comfort for seniors with terminal illnesses, managing pain and providing emotional and spiritual support. While traditional in-home hospice care includes routine visits and 24/7 phone support, it typically does not offer round-the-clock bedside care. Families can supplement hospice services with 24-hour home care from agencies like Assisting Hands Home Care. Professional caregivers provide…
Summary: Seniors with cardiovascular risk factors should get a carotid ultrasound annually. Those with moderate stenosis may need it every 6 months, and post-surgery patients typically require follow-ups at 1 month, 6 months, and then annually. Seniors with a family history of cardiovascular disease, or other risk factors, are advised to get a carotid ultrasound. The procedure is a…
Hallucinations can occur in the elderly, especially those living with dementia. Seniors who see or hear things that are not real can experience fear or frustration. Managing hallucinations in seniors with medical care and caregiver support is important to improve their quality of life. What are Hallucinations? Visual hallucinations occur when older adults see things that are not there. The…
Parkinsons’ disease is a progressive condition—meaning symptoms worsen over time. Symptoms of this neurological condition manifest differently in different people. No two seniors experience the disease in the same way. Due to this reason, it is difficult to gauge the rate of its progression accurately. What is Parkinson’s Disease? Parkinson’s disease is a movement disorder affecting the nervous system. The…
Falls are a common and frightening experience for seniors in the United States, as many family caregivers and friends are well aware. Falling is the most common cause of injuries in adults over 65 and they can even be fatal. When a fall occurs, family members may be worried, but they must quickly determine how to safely assist their loved…
Some seniors may suffer from dysphagia, the medical term for difficulty swallowing. Dysphagia is managed by serving the older adult thickened liquids, which prevent choking and stop the fluids from entering the airway. Here’s how to thicken liquids for aging care recipients. What is dysphagia? Swallowing requires that the muscles and nerves work together to push food down into the…
Seizures in the elderly are known as geriatric epilepsy. It’s a common condition of the nervous system in older people. Late-onset epilepsy decreases the quality of life of affected seniors. Uncovering the causes of first-time seizures in aging adults can help protect their well-being. What is a seizure? A seizure occurs when the brain produces an uncontrollable burst of electrical…
Summary: Rib fractures in older individuals are more common due to age-related decline in bone density. Elderly patients with rib fractures have higher rates of morbidity and mortality compared to younger individuals. Rib fractures pose significant risks to respiratory function and can lead to complications such as shallow breathing and diminished lung capacity. Falls, osteoporosis, and traumatic incidents are common…
