Blog

Caring for an Elderly Loved One with Celiac Disease

While celiac disease and gluten intolerance have a long history, research and information have become more prevalent in the last couple of years. Celiac disease is a chronic digestive and immune disorder in which the ingestion of gluten damages the small intestine. Due to its increased recognizable symptoms, more people and doctors are recognizing how prevalent it is in the population and how to accommodate using gluten-free food. Celiac disease is more prevalent in people who are more genetically predisposed to food sensitivities and will have increased issues consuming foods...

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Eldercare: Common Foods that Interact with Medication

Foods contain the vitamins, minerals and nutrients necessary for us to live long healthy lives. However, those same vitamins and minerals that can be healthy can also interfere with certain medications. It is important for all ages to be mindful of their prescriptions but this is especially important for seniors, who are often taking more medications, each one of which having the potential to interact complexly with their bodies, and diets. Negative reactions between food and drugs can be prevented by being knowledgeable about which medications interact negatively with specific...

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The Benefits of Fiber for Seniors

Fiber is an important nutritional factor for maintaining a healthy digestive system.  Fiber is a complex carbohydrate that is found primarily in plant-based foods. There are two different types of fiber that have important roles and help your digestive system.  Soluble fiber is fiber that absorbs water which provides bulk to your stool and helps it pass more easily through your digestive tract. Insoluble fiber remains unchanged as you digest it which helps the contents move more naturally through your body. Fiber is critical for keeping your bowel movements regular...

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Nutritional Drinks for Seniors

Being a caretaker to your elderly loved one can involve making many decisions regarding their health, including nutrition decisions. There are no easy decisions when it comes to someone’s health especially when you are making that decision about their nutrition. As people age it can become more difficult for them to eat solid food and have an adequate appetite.  Soft food can be the preferential style of food for those who have difficulty eating or who have inconsistent appetites. While nutritional drinks can be an effective solution, they can also...

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Eldercare: Feeding Tubes

Feeding tubes are a medical device used for people with medical conditions that impair chewing and swallowing. The feeding tube allows for liquidized nutrition to be administered for people who are unable to eat independently. While it is a difficult choice for the individual and the primary caregiver to make, it is indispensable to the health and physical wellness of those who cannot feed themselves. Due to the nature of this assistive device, primary caregivers and families often may have to make this decision on behalf of their elderly loved...

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Nocturia in Seniors: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Nocturia is defined as a medical condition in which one voids one's bowels at least twice per night, interrupting sleep.  Nocturia is a common ailment in older adults, especially those 70 years and older. Due to its prevalence, nocturia is usually dismissed as an inevitable sign of aging, however, the effects of nocturia affect the quality of life of the senior and should, therefore, be treated seriously. A significant number of falls occur during the night when a senior may be awakening and going to the washroom.  This can lead...

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Weight Loss: Diet and Lifestyle

Weight loss is more complex than simple dieting, as it requires a holistic approach to your overall health. However, your diet habits and nutrition do impact your weight, energy level, and sleep quality. Therefore, the way you eat and fuel your body allows you to boost your metabolism, nourish your body and foster a healthy weight. Healthy habits affect the way your body metabolizes food and allows it to nourish your body more effectively. To support your body’s metabolism, there are some habits that you can implement into your daily...

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Weight Loss: Strategies and Scams

There is a lot of misinformation surrounding weight loss and a healthy lifestyle. From keto to counting calories, there have been countless diets and lifestyles that try and sell us the notion that weight and health are a one-size-fits-all program. Even scientific theories based on the most recent evidence are not able to account for each person’s specific genetics and abilities. While you need to be listening to scientific evidence, you must also account for your circumstances and what works for you. Weight loss has seen some interesting and dangerous...

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Weight Loss and the Effects of Aging

Proper weight loss is an individual journey that depends on your specific circumstances. While maintaining a healthy weight can lead to a more active lifestyle, it can be a complicated journey especially for seniors. As we age, our bodies process food, exercise, sleep and heal in new ways. Seniors who may have been leading healthy lives may find it difficult to maintain that lifestyle, or those habits may not be serving them anymore. A healthy weight and lifestyle will look different for each age range. Adjusting personal healthy habits is...

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Tips for Dining Out with an Elderly Loved One with Dementia

Dining out with your loved ones with dementia can be a joyous occasion that builds precious memories. However, it is important to be sensitive to the needs of those with dementia, as unfamiliar public restaurants may be challenging for them to navigate. Environment People with dementia are more sensitive to the sights, sounds and smells of their environment.  When choosing a restaurant, you should consider one that will not be overly busy, smelly, or loud.  A restaurant that is a sensory overload may cause agitation and anxiety which can lead...

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