Interim HealthCare Blog
Posted: 9/18/2018 4:16 PM by
Interim HealthCare
The end of your senior's life isn't something you want to think about, but as a family caregiver it is not something you can avoid. It is important for you to be honest with yourself and with your parent about this aspect of their life and of your care so together you can make decisions that are right for them. This is particularly important if they are living with a serious disease such as Par...
Posted: 9/12/2018 10:37 AM by
Interim HealthCare
Planning in advance offers peace of mind and pays off when a storm hits.
An impending hurricane is worrisome enough for most people. But if you having an aging parent you help care for, you need to worry about their preparedness as much as your own. And advance preparation is indeed the name of the game.
Experts recommend these steps.
Posted: 9/7/2018 8:35 AM by
Interim HealthCare
If you and your senior's doctor have noticed that she's becoming dehydrated more often, there could be some reasons for that. Understanding those reasons can help you to find solutions that help your senior to stay hydrated.
Posted: 8/31/2018 10:28 AM by
Interim HealthCare
Instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) are tasks a senior should be able to do on their own. These activities are not primary activities like being able to eat or drink, but they're important for a senior who wants to age at home independently.
As your mom or dad age, it's important to monitor their ability to perform IADLs. If they struggle with them, you should start helping out ...
Posted: 8/30/2018 2:12 PM by
Interim HealthCare
Most seniors prefer to age in place, in the home they know and love. For many older adults, home health aides make this possible. These aides assist with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing and meal preparation. But perhaps the most meaningful benefits they provide are companionship for the patient and much-needed “time off” for exhausted family caregivers.
Posted: 8/23/2018 8:11 AM by
Interim HealthCare
Even if exercise isn't your biggest priority, you might realize that you need at least a little bit in your daily routine. Here are some ideas for getting more exercise as a family caregiver.
Posted: 8/17/2018 4:08 PM by
Interim HealthCare
Having a family member with dementia is challenging. The initial diagnosis is upsetting and difficult to deal with as the older adult and those around them contemplate what the future might hold. And, as the disease progresses, the care needs of the dementia sufferer increase. Finally, by the time the person has late stage dementia, they require constant care. Yet, many families want to keep th...
Posted: 8/3/2018 7:48 AM by
Interim HealthCare
Proactive healthcare is all about making decisions, and taking steps that educate you about health, and allow you to make further changes and decisions to manage health issues, and cope with their effects. When considering the possibility of cancer, getting the tests and screenings recommended by a doctor is an important proactive step. These tests and screenings provide information that can al...
Posted: 7/26/2018 8:40 AM by
Interim HealthCare
Family caregivers do a lot for their elderly relatives, making sure they are clean, fed and comfortable. However, many family caregivers are so focused on their loved one’s needs that they neglect themselves. The area where many family caregivers truly suffer is exercising.
Posted: 7/23/2018 11:19 AM by
Interim HealthCare
Every year, about one in 100 people age 60 or older develops shingles, the dreaded skin condition notorious for causing pain that can be agonizing. Recognizing the rash is important, since early treatment can help shorten an outbreak and prevent complications.
Posted: 7/19/2018 1:46 PM by
Interim HealthCare
Anyone who likes animals knows how calming and comforting it can be to stroke and cuddle a friendly dog or cat. It’s little wonder that therapy pets are often brought into nursing homes and hospice facilities. But did you know that you can arrange — often at no cost — to have a therapy pet visit a sick or aging relative in their home?
Posted: 7/19/2018 1:28 PM by
Interim HealthCare
As much as you would like to spend your caregiver experience close to your aging parent so you can be with them on a regular basis, this isn't always possible. You may already live far away from your parents when they need you to start being their family caregiver, or life circumstances can arise requiring you to move away from your parent. Whatever the reason is, if you are caring for your par...
Posted: 7/18/2018 11:04 AM by
Interim HealthCare
Learning that a loved one has been diagnosed with dementia can be devastating. But understanding what’s ahead can help you plan for the care your family member will need. Maura Rhodes, an experienced health journalist, elaborates on the symptoms of each dementia stage.
Posted: 7/17/2018 9:01 AM by
Interim HealthCare
Realizing that your parent or another loved one in your care has reached the point of needing hospice is painful. It means the time has come to make the person comfortable instead of trying to make them better. Broaching the subject of hospice can also be painful, and it can be hard to figure out how to do it. But the conversation itself doesn’t have to be as difficult as you might think.
Posted: 7/16/2018 2:23 PM by
Interim HealthCare
Most of the simple things we do each day — getting out of bed, getting into the shower, lining up the buttons of a shirt, scooping a spoonful of cereal and delivering it to the mouth — we never think twice about. For some older adults, however, they become a real challenge. Maura Rhodes provides insight on how to tell if your aging loved one needs a little extra help at home.
Posted: 7/11/2018 2:01 PM by
Interim HealthCare
Taking trips and enjoying new experiences are essential parts of the summertime months for many families. Many people love taking the opportunities presented by warmer, longer days, breaks from school, and an overall more leisurely pace of life during the summer season to enjoy quality time as a family, and go on trips to take a break from daily life. If your senior loved one is adventurous, th...
Posted: 7/6/2018 2:51 PM by
Interim HealthCare
Falls are some of the most serious risks elderly adults face. Each year throughout the United States millions of seniors experience falls, and a large percentage of these will suffer injuries serious enough to end up in the hospital. These injuries can lead to serious consequences, including greatly diminished mobility, health, and quality of life. While there are some fall risks your parent is...
Posted: 7/5/2018 1:12 PM by
Interim HealthCare
Ice cream for breakfast, cookies with lunch, heaps of sugar in coffee or tea...It’s not unusual for older people to suddenly have insatiable cravings for sweet foods. And if a parent or other aging senior you’re caring for seems to be channeling their inner toddler at the table, you’re probably wondering why they’re insisting on dessert with every meal — or dessert for every meal — and how you ...
Posted: 6/22/2018 1:04 PM by
Interim HealthCare
When a loved one is diagnosed with dementia, getting good care for them is your first concern. But at some point down the line, it’s only natural to wonder: Does this mean I’ll get it, too?
Posted: 6/19/2018 12:51 PM by
Interim HealthCare
Young and middle-aged people aren’t the only ones taking their lives. In fact, the highest rates of suicide in men, by far, are among those age 75 and older. In this article, Allison Ashton outlines why older adults are at risk for suicide and what to do when your loved one shows warning signs.