1776 Senior Care

How do you know when it’s time to hire in-home care for your family member with Alzheimer’s? Will you know? Most caregivers have a story about the moment they realized that their parent couldn’t be left on his own anymore. Maybe it was the time when your dad went outside on a cold day and couldn’t figure out how to get back in the unlocked house. Perhaps it was the day your mother didn’t recognize you and became scared when you entered the home. Maybe you had a scare when your mom took too much of her daily meds. Maybe your [...]

Rosalynn Carter, former first lady, beautifully defined the heart of caregiving when she said, “There are only four kinds of people in the world: those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will need caregivers." Often paying for respite care can be an issue, but Medicare can help. Caregiving is often an unexpected role given to people close to an individual that cannot fully take care of daily needs on their own. Over the years more awareness surrounding caregiving has shed light on the tremendous toll it can take on an [...]

Seniors with chronic conditions are more likely to have depression Depression often occurs in seniors who suffer from other medical conditions and disabilities. While many people experience periods of sadness at times, the condition is treatable. It isn’t just feeling sad or blue. It can lead to or can be a by-product of a serious medical condition. The disease may lead to seniors not being social, not eating, and lapsing in general hygiene and care. It is more than feeling upset one day. Depression is a long term condition that can pervade a senior’s life and is a real illness. Being [...]

Life’s challenges face all of us at one time or another and they often come in the manner of trouble. Guarding ourselves and loved ones from trouble seems like a full time job with no days off. This is especially true with financial scams.The elderly represent the largest target for financial crimes.  In 2010, it was reported that nearly 10% of the elderly population were victims of a financial crime. The same report estimated that this number will increase to 30% as the aging population grows. There are many reasons why criminals target seniors in financial scams. They are often more [...]

Headaches, toothaches, sore muscles are all pains that interfere with accomplishing normal activities. Sometimes these pains are the signs of other illnesses, like pneumonia or UTI.  Most of the time, treatment is available to alleviate our everyday aches and pains allowing us to manage the day ahead. Those that suffer from arthritis learn how to approach each day with day with pain. This is no easy feat and one that is also difficult for friends and family members to watch and not know how to make things better. There are ways to help someone suffering from arthritis. Gaining an understanding of [...]

There are times when maintaining a healthy lifestyle seems impossible. This is often the case when you are caring for a loved one. Grabbing food on the run, finishing chores in place of sleep, and putting off exercise are all choices that eventually become habits when you take on the role of caregiver. This along with the anxiety of doing all you can to give the best care to your loved one can have harmful effects on caregiver health. A majority of informal caregivers do not acknowledge the title of caregiver. It’s part of life; helping a loved one with health [...]

Many new beginnings are welcome events. The one that starts after having a heart attack is filled with mixed emotions. Surviving the attack brings relief, gratitude, and hope. The steps of recovery generate fear, frustration, and depression, among other emotions. The challenge of recovery after a heart attack can be especially difficult for seniors. There are many things to consider upon returning home to recuperate. Getting better is the goal and there are steps to follow that will ensure a good outcome. Listen To The Professionals A new lifestyle plan and often new medications are introduced upon discharge from the hospital. [...]

The goal to  do the things we enjoy and have a social life is often associated with the phrase “some day.” As we age our daily schedules become a continual list of things to accomplish. Social activities often get placed at the bottom of the list or reserved for the time when we are older and life is less hectic. After all, becoming a senior means we reached the golden years and that’s what the golden years are all about. A healthy social life for seniors has many benefits, including helping with recovery from illness and helping with depression. For many, [...]

Smartwatches offer unique benefits over traditional medical alert devices. Medical alert devices can be lifesaving for seniors who find themselves in an emergency situation. They also can reduce stress and anxiety for caregivers by providing peace of mind that your loved one will be able to get the help they need after an accident or injury. There are numerous medical alert systems on the market today, the majority of which are traditional in-home units and mobile options for more active seniors. In recent years, some companies have started offering smartwatch-style devices, which offer a fresh alternative for caregivers looking to provide [...]

Many people think of home as the place that provides comfort, security, and happiness. It is filled with many of life’s loving memories. The majority of seniors plan to stay living in their home for these reasons along with the desire to maintain their independence. Often aging veterans may not know they can age at home with VA benefits. Aging in Place is a concept that supports an older person’s desire to remain at home even when extra help is needed. The good news is that there are many resources available to help a senior stay at home for as long [...]