Category Archives: Health

Falls: Prevention and What to Ask Your Older Loved One

An older woman sitting alone on a bench in a garden with a walking aid next to her

Falls are the leading cause of fatal injury and the most common cause of nonfatal, trauma-related hospital admissions among older adults. For many elders who have a fall, this is often the beginning of a deleterious cascade of ill health that will lead to trauma, hospitalization, decreased mobility, depression, and in some cases, even death. … Continue reading Falls: Prevention and What to Ask Your Older Loved One

Preparing for Winter Weather with Older Loved Ones

image of a blue house in several feet of snow

Severe winter weather is descending across the United States, which greatly impacts the safety and well-being of the elderly, especially when the weather event is unexpected or comes fast. Here are some tips from the experts in aging well® to help your older loved one prep for winter weather. Before a Storm • Stay informed: … Continue reading Preparing for Winter Weather with Older Loved Ones

Tips for Checking on Aging Loved Ones during Holidays

Whether you live down the block or across the country, holiday visits are a great opportunity to take a closer look at your aging loved one and their surroundings. Take time to observe any changes in an aging family member’s behaviors or lifestyle during dinners, gift exchanges, parties, etc. Changes may vary widely – from … Continue reading Tips for Checking on Aging Loved Ones during Holidays

Keeping Older Adults Safe in the Heat

Photo by Sam Williams for Unsplash. Two older people walking together in short sleeves and shorts.

Summer is in full swing in the Northern Hemisphere. Weather extremes are increasing, with hotter temps a concern for large swathes of the U.S. At the same time, the U.S. population is older than ever before and there are safety measures to keep in mind when we venture outdoors. It’s important to take precautions when … Continue reading Keeping Older Adults Safe in the Heat

Caregivers Guide to Oral Care

Guide to Oral Care for Dentures

Dr. Alisa Kaufman, a dentist specializing in geriatric care, shares her expertise to help caregivers become more confident in providing daily oral care to seniors — whether by brushing, flossing and using picks, or removing and cleaning full or partial dentures. Below is first in a two-part series of a caregivers guide to oral care. … Continue reading Caregivers Guide to Oral Care

Beat the Heat: 7 Safety Tips for Aging Adults

beat the heat

It’s been a challenging year, with social isolation, a worldwide pandemic, and having to be confined indoors.  Now that it’s Summer, and most of the outdoor restrictions have been lifted, it is exciting to finally be able to venture outdoors and enjoy the beautiful weather, the blossoming flowers, and the abundant sunshine! However, there are … Continue reading Beat the Heat: 7 Safety Tips for Aging Adults

Is it time for the homecare industry to mandate vaccinations?

I recently had a simple request from an elderly patient’s wife after her husband had a short stay in a rehabilitation facility. “I want the home health aide that comes to my house to be vaccinated,” she requested. Prior to my patient’s discharge from the sub-acute facility, the social worker sending out the referrals to the … Continue reading Is it time for the homecare industry to mandate vaccinations?

Hydration: How Much Water Should You Drink Every Day?

Recent weather and above-average, record-breaking temperatures have me wondering if I drink enough liquid, especially water. The human adult body is approximately 55 to 60 percent water. Staying hydrated is essential to our health and helping our bodies function optimally.   How does water function in our bodies? Regulates body temperature Lubricates joints Flushes body … Continue reading Hydration: How Much Water Should You Drink Every Day?

Summer Safety for Seniors

With the pandemic now hopefully behind us, how can seniors most safely enjoy and celebrate this summer? There are two priorities to keep our community’s elders safe: avoiding the dangers of excessive summer heat and humidity, and preventing falls, a year-round need, but one where summer presents some special challenges. Keeping Cool During Our Hot … Continue reading Summer Safety for Seniors