4 Tips to Help a Loved One Manage Stairs If a loved one has mobility issues, a flight of stairs can sometimes seem like an insurmountable obstacle. At the same time, being able to move freely and safely throughout the home is imperative for a loved one's independence. In addition, the social and emotional benefits of leaving the home from time to time should not be neglected just because a few stairs are in the way. Read more
Taking a Teamwork Approach to Caregiving As we age, most of us would prefer to stay within our own homes, but this becomes difficult as age and infirmities slow us down. Adding to this, grown children or other relatives may not live nearby. If we are caring for an older loved one who is living at home, they may also struggle to maintain their independence if they do not have all the support they need to manage their day-to-day life. The best way we can help a loved one in this situation is to plan ahead and assemble a team. Read more
5 Tips to Help our Loved Ones with Using Telephones For many of our loved ones, hearing and vision problems develop over time and create problems when they want to use the telephone. When a loved one has challenges that cause them to avoid using the phone, tension can ensue. We can help our loved ones retain their independence with these tips for addressing the many different challenges that may cause a loved one to stop using the phone. Read more
Bringing Exercise to Dementia Care As caregivers, it can be challenging to keep a loved one engaged in healthy activities because of a lack of endurance, soreness or general lack of interest. Yet encouraging loved ones to participate in these activities can be important to improving their health and wellness. According to the National Institute on Aging and the Alzheimer’s Association, staying active has numerous benefits for people with dementia. Read more
Activities for a Loved One with Dementia: Gardening Gardening can be a wonderful activity for older adults with Alzheimer's or other memory disorders and their families. According to experts who diagnose and treat memory disorders, gardening activities often have a positive effect on the physical, mental and emotional health of older adults. An afternoon of fresh air and sunshine in the garden can help improve a loved one’s appetite and help them sleep better at night. Watching new plants begin to grow and bloom under their care can also give them a sense of pride, accomplishment and enjoyment at the flowers, fruits and vegetables they were able to grow with our help. Read more
Incorporating Exercise into a Loved One’s Routine Most of us know that physical activity is good for our health, and an important part of a weekly routine. But what about the loved ones we care for? Do they know the many benefits of physical activity? If we are in great shape and physically fit, our loved ones can take a page from our book. If not, then the two of us may want to consider how participating in physical activity can benefit us both. Read more
Setting Up a Group Outing Group outings are an important activity for many community centers, and can also be a great way for older adults to arrange engaging activities with their friends and social groups. These outings provide opportunities for socialization, exercise, learning, reminiscing, and connecting with others. While it might seem straightforward to plan a local outing, there are a few tips we can follow to make these outings as smooth and successful as possible. Read more
The Impact of Intergenerational Programming Intergenerational programs provide opportunities to bridge generations through interactive activities and shared experiences. The impact and benefits of intergenerational programming can be measured on many levels. Whether you’re an older adult interested in participating in these activities or an organizer interested in planning them, here are just a few real world examples from the Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging’s Rose Centers for Aging Well of how intergenerational activities have benefited various generations of participants. Read more
Music Therapy for Dementia Care Staying engaged in meaningful and interesting activities can be challenging after receiving a dementia diagnosis, but as caregivers, it is important for us to help our loved one continue to participate in activities they enjoy. If our loved one likes listening to or playing music, music therapy may be a helpful option. Music therapy can help individuals with dementia with their cognitive and/or physical functioning, while helping them stay connected with others. Read more
Ways to Manage Social Isolation The negative impact and detrimental effects of social isolation remain an important topic. The AARP Public Policy Institute’s 2018 study “highlighted social isolation as the new silent killer – a major risk factor for a host of conditions, including heart disease, high blood pressure and early onset dementia.” AARP defines social isolation as “occur[ing] when people withdraw and become disconnected from family, friends and community” and reports, “… nearly 1 in 5 Americans 65 and older are socially isolated”. Given these startling statistics, what are ways we can reduce our risk and manage social isolation? Read more
