Thriving While Giving: A Caregiver’s Guide to Sustainable Self-Care

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Becoming a caregiver changes your world in ways that are both beautiful and exhausting. You step into a role that demands compassion, patience, and stamina, often with little preparation and even less support. But here’s the thing most people won’t tell you—you can’t truly be there for someone else if you’re constantly sidelining yourself. The concept of self-care isn’t about pampering; it’s about preservation. Whether you’re new to caregiving or have been at it for a while, it’s time to prioritize your well-being with equal intensity. Because when you take care of you, everyone benefits.

Don’t Just Move—Move With Intention

You already know that exercise matters, but as a caregiver, physical movement does more than help you stay fit. It’s a key to mental clarity and emotional regulation. When you stretch, walk, or even do short online workouts, you’re giving your nervous system a break from stress-induced adrenaline. The trick is to find something realistic: maybe ten minutes of yoga before your senior wakes up or a brisk walk during their nap. You don’t need a gym membership or a perfect routine—just a commitment to show up for yourself regularly.

Your Plate Can Be Your Power Source

Eating well might seem like a luxury, especially when you’re juggling medications, meals, and routines for someone else. But your own nutrition is non-negotiable. Try to stock up on healthy grab-and-go options like cut fruit, trail mix, hummus with veggies, or protein bars—anything that fuels you without adding stress. Avoid the temptation to rely solely on caffeine and quick sugar fixes, which only deepen fatigue later. What you eat literally shapes your mood and energy, so nourish your body with the same care you give your loved one.

Recognize that Education and Care Can Coexist

Caregiving often feels like pressing pause on your own future. But in today’s world, you don’t have to sacrifice personal goals to fulfill family responsibilities. Online degree programs make it possible to study and grow on your terms. For instance, an online computer science degree gives you access to valuable skills in programming, IT systems, and algorithm design, all while letting you work around your caregiving schedule. The flexibility allows you to attend class after bedtime, review materials during quiet hours, and gradually build a career without ever having to leave home. Investing in your education isn’t selfish—it’s strategic, and it opens doors you may not even know you need yet.

Reclaim Your Calm with Micro-Moments

Waiting for a full day off to decompress is unrealistic for most caregivers. Instead, reclaim peace through micro-moments of calm. Try deep breathing while waiting for the kettle to boil or listen to calming music during household chores. Guided meditation apps can help, even if you only have five minutes. These slivers of serenity offer more than just relief—they teach your mind to recognize stillness and center itself, even during chaos. You deserve mental space that belongs just to you.

You’re Not Alone—Even When It Feels Like It

One of the most isolating aspects of caregiving is how invisible your struggle can feel. But isolation is a problem you can address. Make regular social check-ins a priority, even if they’re virtual. A video call with a friend or a coffee date with a neighbor can restore a sense of normalcy and connection. Don’t hesitate to lean on support groups, too—both online and local ones can offer understanding, advice, and a place to vent. Building a network doesn’t just help you feel less alone—it keeps burnout at bay.

Rediscover Joy Through Hobbies

The caregiver identity can eclipse everything else you once enjoyed. That’s why finding or reigniting a hobby isn’t just a pastime—it’s an act of self-preservation. Whether it’s watercolor painting, playing an instrument, reading historical fiction, or growing succulents on the windowsill, these moments remind you of who you are beyond caregiving. Give yourself permission to indulge in something that serves no one but you. You’re still allowed to explore, create, and enjoy simply because it makes you happy.

Boundaries Aren’t Walls—They’re Windows

Being available 24/7 might sound noble, but it’s a direct road to burnout. Boundaries don’t mean you care less; they mean you’re choosing longevity over martyrdom. Set limits on your availability for non-urgent matters, even with family. Let others know when you’re off-duty, and be okay with not answering every text immediately. Saying “no” is a skill worth developing—it clears the space you need to breathe and function without resentment.

You’re doing one of the most challenging and meaningful jobs out there. But the truth is, your longevity in this role depends on how well you care for yourself. Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s what makes you sustainable. From small habits to long-term goals, each step you take toward yourself makes you stronger, clearer, and more whole. And in that wholeness, you’ll find a better version of the caregiver you already are.

Explore Caregiver Corner for invaluable resources and community support to help you navigate the challenges of caregiving with confidence and compassion.

Post contributed by Karen Weeks at elderwellness.net

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Future-Proof Living: What Aging Buyers Should Look for in a Forever Home

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When older homebuyers begin looking for their “forever home,” the checklist starts to change. It’s no longer about school districts, proximity to nightlife, or even resale value. The new focus becomes comfort, accessibility, and the kind of thoughtful design that lets a homeowner stay put without complications. But aging in place isn’t just about installing a grab bar in the shower; it’s about finding a space that’s ready to grow with the people inside it.

Single-Level Living That Respects the Body

Climbing stairs might feel like nothing today, but bones and joints have a funny way of making themselves known with time. Homes with everything on one level—bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, laundry—offer an ease that’s hard to beat, especially for those thinking a decade or two ahead. Even when buyers insist they “don’t mind stairs,” that tune can change fast after a knee replacement or a temporary injury. A house with everything on one floor isn’t just practical—it’s peace of mind built into the foundation.

Lighting That Understands Aging Eyes

Vision changes aren’t dramatic overnight, but they sneak up with age—and poor lighting can become a real hazard. Homes with abundant natural light, layered task lighting in the kitchen, and illuminated pathways offer more than ambiance. They protect against slips, reduce eye strain, and help maintain independence in everyday tasks. Look for places where light switches are intuitive, staircases are well-lit, and the sun becomes an ally, not a challenge.

Smart Appliances, Smarter Protections

It’s not just style that matters when it comes to appliances—it’s function, reliability, and the way they interact with everyday life. A home equipped with updated, energy-efficient appliances simplifies everything from cooking to laundry, all while reducing long-term costs and hassles. Still, modern doesn’t mean invincible, which is why it’s wise to understand appliance warranty coverage and invest in a home warranty that can help offset the expense of repairs or replacements. Look for plans that go beyond the basics, covering breakdowns from improper installations, so you’re protected before problems even show up.

Bathrooms Designed with Dignity in Mind

It’s easy to think of bathroom safety as an afterthought, but a smartly designed bathroom can quietly support independence for years. Walk-in showers with bench seating, lever faucets, and non-slip floors blend utility with style when done right. Instead of tacking on bulky grab bars later, buyers should seek homes where these features are already integrated or can be added seamlessly. The goal is a space that offers support without ever feeling clinical.

Kitchens That Invite, Not Intimidate

The kitchen remains the heart of the home, but it becomes a battleground of inconvenience if the layout is clunky. Pull-out drawers, lowered countertops, and appliances with front-facing controls make daily life easier and safer. Aging buyers should look for kitchens that don’t require bending, stretching, or acrobatics just to make breakfast. A well-planned kitchen isn’t just about beauty—it’s about whether that beauty will still work for you in 10 years.

Neighborhoods That Support the Life You Want

A great house means little if it’s isolated. Walkable communities with nearby groceries, green spaces, and healthcare facilities allow homeowners to stay connected without relying on a car. Aging in place also means aging in a place where you can still run errands, meet friends, or get to appointments. When the neighborhood supports engagement, the home becomes part of a bigger safety net—one that protects against loneliness as much as physical limitation.

The idea of aging in place isn’t just about avoiding the move to assisted living. It’s about creating a space that honors autonomy and supports well-being in ways that are often invisible until they’re needed. Buyers who plan for accessibility before they need it won’t just make smarter investments—they’ll find more comfort in the day-to-day. The ideal home doesn’t trade charm for utility; it blends both, offering a living experience that evolves gracefully alongside the people who call it home.

Discover a wealth of resources and support for caregivers at Caregiver Corner, where practical strategies and community connections help you balance work, senior care, and personal life with ease.

Post contributed by Karen Weeks at elderwellness.net

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Practical Strategies for Caregivers Juggling Work, Senior Care, and Personal Life

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Caring for an aging loved one while managing a career and personal life can feel like a never-ending juggling act. The weight of responsibility often leads to exhaustion, guilt, and the sense that there simply aren’t enough hours in the day. But while the challenge is real, so is the possibility of finding balance. With a few practical strategies, you can create a rhythm that supports both your loved one’s needs and your own well-being.

Set Boundaries and Stick to Them

One of the hardest things for caregivers to accept is that they can’t do everything. You might feel obligated to be available 24/7, but without boundaries, burnout is inevitable. Set clear expectations with family, employers, and even the senior in your care about when you are and aren’t available. A firm but compassionate “I can help with that later” is sometimes the best gift you can give yourself.

Use Technology to Lighten the Load

Smartphones, apps, and online services aren’t just for convenience—they can be lifesavers for busy caregivers. Medication reminder apps, grocery delivery services, and virtual doctor appointments can cut down on time-consuming errands. Set up shared digital calendars so family members and hired help are on the same page about appointments and responsibilities. The less you have to track in your head, the more energy you’ll have for what truly matters.

Pursuing Your Career Dreams on Your Own Terms

Chasing your career dreams doesn’t have to be put on hold just because life has thrown extra responsibilities your way. Whether you’ve always wanted to become a nurse, an educator, or a business leader, online degree programs can help improve your career prospects by offering flexible and specialized tracks to explore. With the ability to study at your own pace, these programs provide a convenient way to balance coursework with caregiving duties, ensuring you don’t have to sacrifice one for the other. If you’re ready to take the next step, learn about your options and find a program that fits your goals and lifestyle.

Make Work and Caregiving Complement Each Other

If you’re employed, see if your job offers flexible work arrangements, such as remote work or adjusted hours. Many companies recognize the challenges caregivers face and have policies in place to accommodate them. When possible, schedule work tasks that require high concentration during times when your loved one is resting or engaged in an activity. Finding synergy between your job and caregiving role can help you avoid the feeling that they are constantly in conflict.

Rethink What “Me Time” Looks Like

Self-care doesn’t have to mean extravagant vacations or spa days—sometimes, it’s about the small, consistent habits that help you recharge. A five-minute breathing exercise, a short walk, or even listening to a favorite podcast while preparing meals can be enough to reset your mind. The key is to make self-care non-negotiable, no matter how small the action. When you take care of yourself, you’re in a better position to take care of someone else.

Delegate Without Guilt

You don’t have to be the only person providing care. Ask family members to pitch in, hire a part-time caregiver, or tap into community resources for respite care. If people offer to help, accept it—even if they don’t do things exactly the way you would. Letting go of perfectionism and embracing shared responsibility can make a world of difference in your stress levels.

Stay Connected to Your Own Life

It’s easy for caregiving to take over your identity, but maintaining your own social life and interests is essential. Make a point to schedule time with friends, keep up with hobbies, and engage in activities that remind you of who you are outside of caregiving. Isolation is a major source of burnout, and staying connected can provide the emotional strength you need to keep going.

Guilt is a constant companion for many caregivers, but it doesn’t have to be. Remind yourself that you’re doing the best you can with the resources you have. There is no perfect way to be a caregiver—only the way that works for you and your loved one. Give yourself the grace to know that being present and doing your best is already more than enough.

Caregiving is one of the hardest jobs in the world, but you don’t have to do it alone. Visit CaregiverCorner.com for more tips, resources, and a community that understands what you’re going through.

Post contributed by Karen Weeks at elderwellness.net

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Should Your Home Health Care Agency Offer a Wound Care Program?

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Should Your Home Health Care Agency Offer a Wound Care Program?

Millions of Americans have chronic and non-healing wounds. Expanding home health services to include specialized wound services could increase referrals, but wound care can be expensive. Should your agency offer a wound care specialty program? Here are the top things you should consider.

Agency Growth & Benefits vs Cost & Resources

As a home health company owner, agency leader, or executive, you want to encourage growth, expand referral sources, and increase revenue. One option to consider is offering a specialized wound care program. However, before making such a big decision, it’s important to consider the benefits and possible disadvantages of offering such a program.

A wound treatment program may open new opportunities for your agency. Still, there are important factors business leaders must take into account before adding or expanding a wound care service line.

  • Benefits of Offering a Wound Care Program
  • Possible Disadvantages of Offering a Wound Care Program
  • Addressing the Pros and Cons of a Wound Program

Benefits of Offering a Wound Care Program

The primary benefit of offering a specialized wound care service line is that it can be lucrative for businesses. Under the Patient Driven Groupings Model (PDGM), reimbursement is high for patients with wounds. Moreover, there is growing demand for wound treatment within home health care. Approximately 3% of people over age 65 have open wounds. That’s a significant segment of the market.

Offering a wound care program will also help you stand out from competitors and increase your referral sources. The industry is looking for value-based services. Hospitals, rehab facilities, and other referral sources want to work with partners that can promote the best outcomes. Offering this service can help position your agency as a leader in the industry. By offering specialized treatment by expert clinicians, you can help patients heal faster, reduce the risk of infections, and minimize the need for hospitalization. Providing wound care services can improve patient outcomes — and satisfaction.

Furthermore, as the population ages, the need for wound care services will continue to grow. The US Census projects that there will be 77 million seniors in the US by 2060.

Disadvantages of Offering a Wound Care Program

Despite the benefits of offering a wound care program, there are also possible disadvantages. For instance, wound care services can be expensive. In addition to supply charges, utilization is high. They often require more visits, which can increase the cost of care. Additionally, patients with non-healing wounds often have multiple underlying diagnoses which must be addressed.

Wound care programs also require specialized training, which can be resource-intensive. To offer quality wound care services, your staff must be properly trained and educated on wound care management, which can be time-consuming and costly.

Strongly Consider the Pros and Cons of a Wound Program

While there are potential disadvantages to offering a wound care program, there are also ways to address these concerns. For example, properly managing wound care supplies can minimize the cost of care. You may also negotiate prices with suppliers by purchasing in bulk or working with preferred vendors.

You can leverage technology to monitor wound healing remotely to address the need for more frequent visits. For example, using telehealth or remote monitoring devices may reduce the number of in-person visits required while still providing quality care. You’ll also want to consider criteria for wound care referrals, such as requiring clients to have a willing and available caregiver to teach about dressing changes.

Finally, to address the resource-intensive nature of home health nurse training, consider partnering with an outside organization or consultant who can provide your staff with wound care training and education. By outsourcing this training, you can minimize the cost and time required for in-house training.

Conclusion

Offering a wound care program can be a lucrative and beneficial service line for home health agencies. By properly managing wound care supplies, leveraging technology, and outsourcing training, you can address the potential disadvantages of offering this program while still providing quality care to clients. If you are considering a wound care program, carefully consider the benefits and possible challenges and take steps to ensure that you are properly equipped to provide this specialized service.

About the author

Alora Healthcare systems is a premier provider of home health software. Our solution helps homecare businesses manage all aspects of home health care, including the clinical, operational, and financial components for success. To learn more about our solutions for agencies of any size, visit us online at www.alorahealth.com

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The Thoughtful Way to Make Long-Term Care Decisions for a Loved One

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Family is all about taking care of each other, especially loved ones who are unable to look after themselves. Unfortunately, unless you’re doing it full-time, the care you provide to a senior or disabled loved one may not be adequate, despite your best efforts. This is particularly true for those whose care and assistance needs are increasing because of medical concerns. To make matters worse, the COVID-19 pandemic is putting vulnerable loved ones in more danger, which could mean that they may not be in the safest situation at present.

For this reason, you might be facing a need to make alternative long-term arrangements for the sake of your loved one’s safety and comfort. This is, however, a delicate situation, so the following considerations can be taken to determine how to move forward with their best interests in mind.

Take stock of the situation: Is it time for a long-term care facility?

First thing’s first—before any critical decisions are made, it’s important to evaluate your senior or disabled loved one’s specific situation. This will entail taking into account several factors. No doubt, the most important consideration is your loved one’s medical needs. It’s a good idea to work with their doctor to determine what they need and the best possible place to get it.

There’s also the question of whether in-home care is an option, which can be made more feasible with home adaptations and lifestyle choices. For instance, moving the bedroom to the ground floor, implementing a bathroom remodel, and exploring grocery shopping alternatives might be all that’s needed to keep a senior safe and comfortable in their current abode.

Otherwise, a long-term care facility may be more ideal. In most cases, the latter is often the better choice as your loved one will be able to benefit from the knowledge and expertise of professionals. But of course, choosing a long-term facility also has its own considerations, too, such as the setup, personnel credentials, and what kind of care they’ll require. For instance, if they’ll need skilled nursing care and constant supervision, then a nursing home may be their best option. Be sure to carefully weigh reviews and compare costs before choosing a facility, such as reviews within the Pennsylvania area. The COVID-19 measures these facilities are taking are also essential to ensuring your loved one stays safe and healthy.

Sort out the financial kinks: How do we budget for long-term care?

There’s no other way to say it—the cost of long-term care can be higher than you may think. With this in mind, you’ll definitely need to help your loved one work out the financial aspects of this transition.

One way to ensure that your loved one is able to get and afford the long-term care they deserve is by selling their home. Of course, selling in a pandemic can be fraught with challenges, especially with social distancing rules making it difficult to stage showings and open houses. It’s a good idea, therefore, to make use of tech tools like video-chat tours, virtual open houses, and 3D walkthroughs to sell your loved one’s home at this time.

While this might sound difficult at best, these technological answers like 3D walkthroughs offer many opportunities to experience properties. From viewing in a “measurement mode”—which allows viewers to measure various components in a room, such as a kitchen island or shower stall—to viewing the floor plan, home buying and selling is made efficient and safe for everyone involved.

Look into available benefits: What is my loved one eligible for?

Finally, get to know the benefits and options available for your senior loved one’s healthcare needs. Doing so will help alleviate the financial burden of medical bills and care in leaps and bounds, so this is definitely something you shouldn’t overlook.

Medicare is, by and large, the most valuable and helpful asset your senior loved one could ever have to stay healthy, so it’s more than wise for you to know what it entails. The most important thing you should know is that you need to stay on top of your loved one’s yearly coverage, and that Medicare’s AEP, or Annual Election Period, which starts on October 15 and closes on December 7, is the only time that coverage changes can be made. It’s also important to ensure that your loved one gets the right coverage, so do your due diligence in selecting the plan the works best for them. At the very least, you’ll need your loved one’s Medicare card, last year’s healthcare bills, current medications, and diagnoses on hand.

There’s no denying that getting the best possible care and assistance for your loved one is crucial. Ultimately, ensuring that your loved one receives the best care possible as necessitated by their medical needs and the current pandemic is the best gift you can ever give them.

Look to Caregiver Corner for additional information to help you and your loved ones live fuller, healthier, and happier lives.

Post contributed by Karen Weeks at elderwellness.net

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Oral and Dental Care Tips for The Elderly

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Taking proper care of your teeth and maintaining excellent oral hygiene are essential habits at any age, but they become even more important as you start to grow older. Aging can take its toll on your teeth and gums, making seniors more susceptible to tooth decay and other dental issues.

Good senior dental care can prevent common dental problems like toothache, tooth loss, and gum disease, and also help avoid the need for emergency dental care.

Senior Dental Care Tips

It’s never too late to take oral health seriously. We’ve put together a list of dental care tips for seniors to help you get started.

 Brush and floss regularly.

 Let’s start the list off with the most basic and most important form of dental care – brushing and flossing.

Brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice a day is must for people of all ages. However, seniors may have to make a few adjustments in the routine because the condition of their teeth and gums are no longer the same as when they were younger.

The older you get, the more sensitive your gums become because of all the wear and tear they went through over the years. To avoid abrasion of the gums and tooth enamel, brush your teeth gently and, if possible, only use soft-bristled toothbrushes.

Moreover, it’s recommended for seniors to use electric toothbrushes as they’re not only easier to hold and operate, but also better at cleaning hard-to-reach areas in the mouth.

If you’re not yet enjoying the benefits of brushing with an electric toothbrush, you better start now!

 Avoid tobacco.

 It’s no secret that tobacco has negative impacts on health and well-being. It can weaken your immune system and put you in possible risk of developing serious medical conditions.

Seniors who smoke or chew tobacco should seriously consider quitting because aside from its link to cancer, prolonged tobacco use can also lead to periodontal disease and tooth decay, and may even damage your dentures and implants.

If you’re still smoking at old age, you may consult your dentist or primary care physician for smoking cessation techniques to help you quit the habit for good.

Watch out for dry mouth.

 Dry mouth is a condition where your salivary glands fail to produce enough saliva to keep your mouth wet. This condition is common among seniors primarily because of the medications that they have to take daily. Medicines for asthma, high blood pressure, arthritis, and cholesterol regulation are known to cause dry mouth.

Having dry mouth is cumbersome because it can make eating, swallowing, and talking difficult. But aside from these annoyances, it can also endanger your general oral health.

Poor oral lubrication can cause cavities and tooth decay, so it’s important to keep tabs of your medications and inform your dentist if any of them leads to dry mouth. Aside from drinking a lot of water, your dentist can recommend other effective methods to combat dry mouth.

Limit your soda intake.

 You probably already know that alcohol and sodas are not only bad for your health, but for your teeth and gums as well. Soft drinks and processed juices are loaded with sugar. Consuming these sugary beverages regularly will increase the acidity in your mouth, destroy your teeth enamel, and lead to tooth loss.

Opting for water instead of sugary drinks will greatly benefit your physical and dental health. It’s okay to drink soda once in a while, though. Just remember to drink lots of water afterward to rinse the acid from your mouth.

 Care for your dentures.

 Dentures make life a lot more convenient for the elderly but, like natural teeth, they are also prone to plaque and tartar build up. It’s absolutely necessary to clean your dentures daily. If you don’t take care of them properly, you might end up with gum disease.

It’s easy to clean your dentures, you can soak them in a cleaning solution recommended by your dentist to loosen the plaque and then give them a good brushing. Also, don’t forget to have your dentures checked at the dentist at least once a year or whenever issues arise.

 When was the last time you visited the dentist?

Following these tips will help you maintain good dental health even at old age, but just because you brush, floss, and eat healthy all the time does not mean that you can forgo professional dental care altogether. Make it a habit to visit your dentist every six months, and not only when you feel some problems in your mouth.

Get your gums and teeth checked regularly to stay one step ahead of the various dental problems that most seniors face.

About The Author

Dr. Gary Salwin of the Glendale Dental Group in AZDr. Gary Salwin leads the Glendale Dental Group, Arizona. He and his team treat dental emergencies and perform a whole range of dental services. He has been practicing dentistry for more than 36 years.

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How Seniors Can Benefit From Music in Their Daily Lives

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Music has the power to calm our minds, ease pain and discomfort, and improve the quality of our lives. These benefits are even more apparent in seniors. As we grow older, music benefits us physically, emotionally, and cognitively — and it can even help to reduce agitation, stress, anxiety, and depression in patients with Alzheimer’s disease.

The following article will discuss these benefits in greater detail and share some ideas for incorporating music into the lives of seniors, so keep reading!

Physical and Psychological Wellness

According to Music Education Research International (MERI), music has been shown to benefit us physically, socially, and psychologically as we grow older. In addition to improving the quality of our lives, music leads to improved psychological, social, and physical health; relief from pain and stress; reduced medication usage; and prevents certain age-related diseases. And for those who suffer from chronic pain, anxiety, and stress, musical activities like singing, playing an instrument, or listening to music can be a healthy distraction from these types of issues.

Moreover, some of the physical health benefits of music vary by musical activity. According to findings from MERI:

  • Singing boosts respiratory function.
  • Playing the piano reduces stress, boosts cognitive-motor skills, and prevents arthritis in the fingers.
  • Playing in a band boosts aerobic capacity.

Improved Cognition

In addition to improving the physical, social, and psychological health of seniors, musical activities also help to boost cognitive function in older adults. According to a new study on the effects of playing background music while performing cognitive tasks, certain types of classical music may help to improve processing speed, episodic memory, and semantic memory performance in seniors. However, loud music or songs with lyrics may have the opposite effect on memory and processing speed performance.

Furthermore, music may also help seniors with dementia, including those with Alzheimer’s disease. According to the Mayo Clinic, singing songs or listening to music may benefit seniors behaviorally and emotionally — and caregivers may reap these benefits as well. Anderson Music Therapy lists some of the best songs for seniors, so give these a try if you’re not sure where to start.

How Seniors Can Incorporate Music Into Their Lives

If you’re a senior who’s looking to experience the physical, psychological, and cognitive benefits of music, there’s no better time to take music lessons, learn a new style of dance, or sing along to your favorite songs. Due to the pandemic, online music lessons are available to teach you everything from singing and reading music to playing different types of instruments, including the piano, bassoon, stringed instruments, and more.

If you’ll be using technology to stream songs, take music lessons, or learn about music online, you’ll need to ensure your current tablet, laptop, or PC is operating as well as it should. If your devices could use an upgrade, Black Friday is the perfect time to score deals and discounts on laptops and tablets. A quality pair of noise-canceling headphones can also help you to learn music from home, as well as a music stand, metronome, and amplifier.

Second, you’ll need to learn how to protect yourself from identity thieves, viruses, and other types of cyber threats, especially if you’re new to using the internet. The internet can be an excellent place to learn about music, but it’s important to be aware of common online threats and the things you can do to protect yourself and your tech devices.

The Bottom Line

Music has been shown to benefit seniors cognitively, psychologically, and physically, regardless of whether they’re playing an instrument, singing aloud to a song, or listening to the radio. And to experience these benefits, seniors can take online music lessons, listen to music while cleaning the house or getting ready in the morning, and enjoy other types of musical activities such as singing in a choir and dancing to their favorite songs!

Are you a caregiver to a senior loved one? Visit Caregiver Corner to find everything from senior-friendly products to tips and advice for caregivers and their senior loved ones.

Post contributed by Tanya Lee at AbilityVillage.org

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Home Modification Solutions for Seniors with Limited Vision

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Age-related eye diseases that lead to vision loss are a common health problem among seniors. While vision loss can have a profound impact on your day-to-day life, it shouldn’t stop you from enjoying your golden years. Low vision seniors can still live safely and independently at home with a few simple home modifications. Caregiver Corner offers plenty of useful resources that can help you cope with health changes like vision loss. Below, we’ve collected just a few home modification ideas to get you started.

Improve the Lighting in Your Home

To help prevent falls and injuries, make sure every room, staircase, and hallway in your home is brightly lit.

Use Contrast and Color to Enhance Accessibility

Mixing light and dark colors around your home can help you detect important objects like stairs, doorways, and furniture.

  • Apply contrast strips to stairs and thresholds.
  • Repaint door knobs in bright colors for greater visibility.
  • Choose high-contrast color schemes for your bedroom.
  • In the kitchen, use brightly colored dishes and high-contrast food preparation tools.

Reduce and Eliminate Fall Hazards

Low-vision seniors are more likely to suffer a fall at home, so take steps to mitigate your fall risk.

  • Remove trip hazards from around your home.
  • Remove area rugs that slide around or bunch up.
  • Install grab-bars and railings throughout your home.
  • Install non-slip flooring in your kitchen and bathroom.

Living with low vision isn’t always easy. As you adjust to this new challenge, make some modifications around your home so you can stay safe and comfortable. Through good lighting, high-contrast design, and a few home safety upgrades, you can live a happy, healthy and independent life!

Post contributed by Tanya Lee at AbilityVillage.org

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Common Health and Aging Stressors Seniors Face as They Grow Older

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As people grow older, they can face some expected — and unexpected — side effects of aging. These challenges can truly increase stress on a senior. A variety of stressors can arise, such as retirement or being a caregiver for a spouse or even grandchildren. These, as well as worrying about mental and physical health, can take a toll on older adults. Below are common health and aging stressors seniors and their loved ones should be aware of as people grow older.

Caring for Loved Ones

Seniors may take care of a spouse or grandchildren which can cause stress for them as caregivers. As people grow older, they need to pay attention to their own needs. Unfortunately, if they are taking care of a loved one, they can be more focused on others instead of themselves. According to Aging Care, seniors who are caregivers have a 63 percent higher mortality rate than seniors of the same age who are not caregivers. For those who take on kinship care, seniors who raise grandchildren can lose leisure time, traveling opportunities, and other areas of independence in exchange for taking grandchildren to school and sports lessons. Stress from being a caregiver can take the forms of withdrawal, insomnia, and even anger.

Retirement

As people work, many of them dream about the day they get to retire and travel the world with their spouse or buy the houseboat they’ve never been able to stop thinking about. Sadly, retirement is not always as happy-go-lucky as the TV commercials portray. According to Forbes, retirement is one of the most stressful events seniors go through because people retire or are forced to retire as other challenging events are happening, such as the death of a loved one or struggling with declining health. Retirement can also lead to financial concerns as well as relationship challenges, both of which can bring on even more stress. There may also be financial challenges with maintaining their home as well. And while many seniors find it beneficial to downsize, even then there’s the stress of moving and going through all their possessions.

Physical Challenges

As people grow older, it is natural for there to be physical decline, but that doesn’t mean people don’t stress about it. As physical challenges begin to increase, people can have a hard time adjusting. In turn, as seniors stress about their personal physical challenges, stress can spurn on new ones. Stress can result in heart problems, a lowered immune system, and even vision and hearing loss. This circular spiral can only make the concern for physical challenges increase. Some ways to battle stress to help stop this cycle can include practicing deep-breathing meditation and listening to music.

Mental Health Decline

A senior’s mental health is truly challenged as they grow older. This can result in diseases like dementia, but it can also include anxiety or depression. Anxiety and depression arise due to battling stress and constantly hearing and talking about the loss of loved ones and friends. Elderly depression can show itself in a variety of ways including consistent sadness, irritability, and changes in eating habits. Anxiety appears in ways such as uncontrollable worry, being tired around the clock, and very tense muscles.

As external stressors can increase mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression, seniors can find help by reaching out to a mental health professional. Medicare Part B can help cover the costs as it offers a range of mental health services including counseling and even a yearly depression screening.

Abuse From Caregivers or Family Members

As seniors face mental and physical decline, they often switch from being a caregiver to needing one. Unfortunately, many seniors face abuse from caregivers and even loved ones. It might just not be exploitation, as seen by the collection of assets and money, but seniors can be abused physically, sexually, and emotionally, as well as face neglect. Being abused — especially by someone the senior truly loves and trusts — can be deeply stressful and lead to anxiety and depression. If elder abuse is suspected, it’s important to reach out to the local adult protective services or law enforcement.

Growing older can be very stressful on people. Hitting a certain age once meant wisdom and living a life of relaxation through retirement, but as seniors face challenges and changes in their lives, it’s important to be aware of how this can impact them mentally and physically.

Post contributed by Kent Elliot at AtHomeAging.info

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How to Help Your Patients Manage Their Medicine

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By SingleCare

It’s not uncommon for a patient to be diagnosed with more than one health condition. In fact, two-thirds of older adults in the U.S. are living with multiple chronic illnesses. This can be burdensome on the patient and the caregiver. Treatment options can become overwhelming, as each health condition may require multiple medications. 

As a caregiver, you could be responsible for not just one patient with multiple diagnoses, but several. So, how do you keep track of it all? Refer to this senior’s guide to medication management for helpful strategies that could streamline the process.

  1. Stick to a schedule

The easiest way to remember to take (or administer) medication is to do it at the same time every day. SingleCare has a free medication schedule that you can download and fill out for each of your patients here.

Whether you follow SingleCare’s template or create your own version, you should include the name of each medication, the day and time it should be taken, and how much should be taken at a time. This daily medication schedule should be comprehensive of all medicines including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and supplements.

  1.  Be detail-oriented

Understanding prescriptions can be a challenge. There’s a lot of information on those tiny labels. Here are three steps to follow each time you pick up a new prescription for your patient. First, verify that the patient’s name, doctor, and pharmacy information is correct. Next, jot down the drug name, its strength, and administration instructions on that medication schedule we just talked about. Then, ask the pharmacist questions if anything is unclear or confusing to you. We’ll talk about this more in the next section.

  1. Speak up

Remember that you are an important member of your patient’s healthcare team. You should feel empowered to lean in by asking questions and providing feedback. To do so, make sure you take advantage of doctor’s appointments and pharmacy visits. 

One resource that you can benefit from is a medication review from a pharmacist. You can request an appointment with your patient and his or her pharmacist during which you all can sit down, review the patient’s list of medications, and ask questions. Don’t forget to bring that medication schedule we mentioned earlier. It may also be helpful to note the possible side effects of certain drugs, so you and your patient can be prepared. 

Many of us abide by doctor’s orders—no questions asked. And although it’s important to trust your doctor (or your patient’s doctor), you should also be an active participant in healthcare discussions. For example, two questions that seem obvious but are often overlooked are: 

  • How will this drug improve the patient’s health condition or symptom it has been prescribed for?
  • Are there any drugs that are no longer necessary for the patient to take?

The less medication your patient is prescribed, the lower chance there is for a medication mishap. Mistakes in medication management can be dangerous and sometimes fatal. It’s important that caregivers take the time to understand their patient’s treatment plan, get organized, and stay diligent.

Post contributed by Sarah Breckon at SingleCare. 

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