Undergoing hip or knee surgery can be a daunting experience for elderly patients, especially when faced with an overwhelming amount of medical information. However, understanding the basics of the procedure, key recovery milestones, and the benefits of hiring in-home caregivers can significantly support the healing process. Seniors may require surgery due to arthritis in the knee or a fractured hip….
When someone you love is living with Alzheimer’s, the everyday things—like sitting down for a meal—can become surprisingly complicated. Maybe your mom forgets she already ate. Maybe your dad says nothing tastes good anymore. Or maybe your spouse just stares at the food, unsure what to do with it. Sound familiar? You’re not alone—and you’re not doing anything wrong. Alzheimer’s…
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…
Falls among seniors are unfortunately all too common, leading to a variety of injuries ranging from sprains and bruises to broken bones. For older adults who already face health challenges, even a seemingly minor fracture can drastically impact their ability to perform daily activities and maintain their independence. In some cases, these injuries can even be life-threatening. At Assisting Hands…
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…
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…
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…
