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
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
4 Creative Ways to Engage a Loved One in Reminiscence Everyone has a story to tell, and the older adults in our lives can be a rich source of memories, fascinating experiences, history and lessons learned over the course of a one-of-a-kind lifetime. Research shows that engaging in reminiscence and storytelling with a loved one can improve their mental, psychological and emotional health, while also helping caregivers personalize their caregiving and improve their connection and communication with their loved one. Read more
Walking Tips to Support a Loved One There are many health benefits for older adults who walk on a regular basis. If a loved one has mobility issues, they can still benefit from walking, even if it's just a little bit. Here are some tips to help a loved one remain mobile. Read more
A Healthy Back for a Healthy Body: Tips for Managing Back Pain As we age, we may find ourselves suffering from stiff, painful backs that may prevent us from taking part in the active lifestyle we may have enjoyed when we were younger or healthier. If so, we are not alone. Back pain is one of the most common reasons older people visit their doctors for a back exam, diagnosis, pain relief and treatment. Read more
Guiding a Loved One Through Cataract Surgery If a loved one has trouble seeing and has been diagnosed with a cataract, we may be concerned about what the next steps are and how to prepare. The surgery typically recommended to treat this condition is common and low risk, but it may still be helpful for us to come prepared with knowledge on how best to help our loved ones through the procedure and recovery. Read more
A Caregiver’s Journey Through Hospice Care There are many misconceptions about hospice care in the United States. When my mom’s cancer became a terminal diagnosis, I was grateful that I had a working knowledge of hospice services so my family and I could focus on her quality of life and pain management as she entered into her life’s final journey. Here are some useful pieces of information that may help us and our loved one make an informed decision about whether hospice may be an appropriate option for our loved one’s end-of-life care. Read more
