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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Spring Allergy Safety Tips for your Elderly Loved One

Winter is over and, just as animals come out of hibernation, so do people come out to enjoy the beautiful nature of springtime.  However, for about five percent of the population, the impending springtime comes not only with beautiful flowers but also with seasonal allergies.  Just as the cold bite of air is left to the winter days, warm springtime comes with its own challenges.  Beautiful flowers may appeal to many seniors and some people even plan special trips around the blooming of certain flowers, for example, the traditional practice...

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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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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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Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in the Elderly

Obsessive compulsive disorder, otherwise known as OCD, is a mental disorder that is symptomatic of having persistent and distressing thoughts and rituals. These upsetting compulsions are developed in order to manage the increasing anxiety that these thoughts and rituals create.  OCD can vary from moderate to severe and can impact daily functioning, routine, and relationships. People with obsessive-compulsive disorder may struggle with day-to-day tasks and with changes in their preferred schedule. People with OCD often have anxiety when they do not feel in control of their thoughts and routine. This...

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Caring for a Senior with Edema

While swelling, weight gain, or puffiness in certain areas may not always be a cause for concern, it can be a result of edema which may require necessary treatment. Edema is a medical term for swelling in the body and can be a symptom of chronic medical conditions, which can be especially serious for seniors. Edema can manifest in the body in a variety of ways and can be located in a generalized way or a localized spot and can range from minor to severe. Edema is often caused by...

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Eldercare: Common Myths and Misconceptions about Cataracts

Despite the fact that cataracts represent one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide, there is significant misinformation about the formation of cataracts and the surgical procedures that remove them. Myths and old wives' tales regarding health are common in the health community. Old wives’ tales can sometimes be true and based on a history of experience. However, some myths can be damaging, so it is important to believe medical information from an expert in their field. Cataracts are the predominant cause of blindness with more cases than glaucoma, diabetic...

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Healthy Springtime Activities for Seniors

Winter has always been a time of rest and reflection where people spend more time inside with their loved ones than outside on adventures. However, especially in North America, we can feel relief when we finally see the first buds start to bloom on the tree branches or the first of the spring flowers pop out of the ground. As much as Winter can be a great way of taking space and time for yourself it can also be lonely and a little boring. Spring represents a new beginning of...

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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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The Benefits of Playing Bingo for Seniors

Bingo is known to be a great party game for big groups and is well-loved by seniors and school age children alike, but did you know there are many health benefits to playing Bingo as well? In fact, Bingo can increase mental health, practice coordination and encourage opportunities for socializing for seniors. Bingo Rules Bingo is a game that is simple to learn and simple to adapt to different styles of play. Basic Bingo is a game in which you have a sheet with a table of blank squares where...

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