Blog

Elder Care Tips: Ways to Increase Vitamin D Intake

As the spring comes, the light brightens and the day lengthens. Not only does this benefit our gardens, but it also benefits our mental and physical health. While there are many reasons for this, one of the main reasons is the increase in Vitamin D. Vitamin D is an essential supplement and improves bone health, physical ability, and energy. It is a staple for most adults, especially older adults, to take vitamin D because it assists in the body’s ability to absorb calcium. Calcium absorption is critical for building and...

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The Challenges of Sandwich Generation Family Caregivers

The ‘sandwich generation’ references adults who are caring for their aging family members as well as raising young children or supporting grown offspring.  This is increasingly likely as almost half of middle-aged adults have a parent or family member who is a senior citizen. This means that senior caregivers are likely to be adults with full-time jobs and children. These family caregivers are having to juggle many responsibilities including financial burdens, time constraints, and emotional burnout. This can feel impossible to manage - especially since they are responsible for the...

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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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Tips for Seniors: Beating the Post-Holiday Blues

The joys of the holiday season can brighten up our lives. However, the highs of the holidays can also foreshadow the lows of the winter new year. The winter new year is often cold and gloomy compared to the joyous reunions of the family over the holidays. Due to this comparison, the post-holiday experience can feel quite lonely and depressing.  This is especially true for seniors, as they may live away from their friends and family and may not see them during this time.  beating the post-holiday blues can be...

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New Year’s Resolution Ideas for Seniors

The winter is full of tradition, and the celebration of the New Year is a global cultural phenomenon. Every family and culture have their own traditions during the passing of the new year, and New Year resolutions are often a key aspect. By making New Year resolutions, you are setting optimistic goals for your immediate future. It is an opportunity to take a look at your habits and consider how you can make positive changes to improve your quality of life. New Year’s resolutions are personal and tailored to you,...

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Elder Care: Relocation Stress Syndrome

Moving can be one of the most stressful times in a person's life. Moving can be physically and mentally challenging because of the relocation of all of your personal belongings as well as all of the decisions that need to be made during the moving process. However, it can also be emotionally challenging because moving often brings a sense of loss and trepidation. When we leave our comfortable environment we lose community connections as well, such as close neighbors and local friends. As humans, the community is everything and when...

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Tips on How to Handle Family Disputes Over Eldercare

Family disputes over the care of their elderly loved ones can be common and unavoidable. However, honest communication and some healthy boundaries can help mitigate ongoing resentment and build an appropriate support system. Siblings or adult caregivers can disagree when it comes to how to appropriately care for their elderly loved ones and the following are common challenges you may come across when building a care plan. Caregiving needs can seem subjective when discussing with many different people. Depending on how much time is spent with the elder, there may...

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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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Tips On How to Engage Your Elderly Loved One in Social Activities

Socialization and community connection is a key aspect of a long and happy life. Elders who have thriving social lives usually display increased cognitive ability, better mental health and tend to be more physically fit due to their active lifestyle. Less social seniors find they experience the opposite of those benefits. Unfortunately, as we continue into the Covid-19 pandemic, we are seeing an increase in seniors who are becoming more withdrawn and less socially active. This can be a concern, especially due to the beneficial aspect a thriving social life...

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