Articles & Resources

 Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Education Month provides an opportunity to raise awareness about this complex neurological condition and empower individuals, families, and communities with the knowledge they need. MS affects over 2.8 million people worldwide, and while every individual's experience is unique, education is key to improving quality of life and fostering understanding.

What is Multiple Sclerosis?

MS is a chronic disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that disrupts the flow of information between the brain and the rest of the body. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the protective covering of nerve fibers, called myelin. This damage results in communication issues within the CNS, leading to a wide variety of symptoms.

People with MS may experience fatigue, mobility challenges, vision problems, cognitive changes, and numbness or tingling. These symptoms can vary widely in severity and progression, making MS an unpredictable condition.

Raising Awareness

E...

 Summer is a season of sunshine, outdoor activities, and social gatherings. However, for senior citizens, it’s also a time to prioritize health and safety. As we age, our bodies handle heat and environmental changes differently, making it essential to take precautions to enjoy the season fully. Here’s how seniors can stay safe and healthy during the summer months.

Hydration Is Key

One of the most important aspects of summer safety is staying hydrated. Seniors are more prone to dehydration due to a decreased sense of thirst and changes in body composition. Aim to drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid sugary drinks, caffeine, and alcohol, as they can contribute to dehydration.

Protect Yourself from the Sun

Excessive sun exposure can lead to heat exhaustion, dehydration, or even heatstroke. When heading outdoors:

• Wear lightweight, light-colored, and loose-fitting clothing.
• Apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to all exposed skin.
• Wear a ...

"Preventing Hospitalizations: Essential Tips for Seniors and Caregivers"

Hospitalizations can be stressful and disruptive, especially for seniors. By taking proactive steps, many common causes of hospital admissions can be prevented. This guide offers essential tips for seniors and their caregivers to avoid unnecessary hospital visits.

Fall prevention is crucial, as falls are a leading cause of injury and hospitalization among seniors. Ensuring the home is free from tripping hazards like loose rugs, clutter, and poor lighting is essential. Install grab bars in bathrooms and handrails on stairs to provide additional support. Engaging in exercises that improve balance and strength, such as tai chi and yoga, can also significantly reduce the risk of falls. Wearing supportive, non-slip shoes helps maintain stability and prevent accidents.

 Proper medication management is vital to avoid complications and adverse reactions. Have medications reviewed regularly by a healthcare provider to e...

Navigating the complex world of healthcare options for seniors can be overwhelming for families facing the challenges of aging. Each phase of life brings unique considerations and needs, requiring careful thought and planning to ensure the best care and quality of life for elderly loved ones.

As our parents and grandparents age, their healthcare needs often change, prompting discussions about how best to support them. One of the primary considerations is whether they can continue to live independently at home or if they might benefit from additional support in a more structured environment.

For many seniors, home care services provide a vital lifeline, allowing them to receive medical or non-medical assistance while remaining in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes. This option not only promotes independence but also ensures that seniors receive personalized care tailored to their specific needs. Families can choose from a range of services, including help with daily tasks,...

Hearing Loss In The Elderly

Decreased hearing or hearing loss affects many people.   Hearing loss can occur for a variety of reasons.  The most common reason being when having extended exposure to loud or continuous noise.  Other reasons include:  certain illnesses,  heredity and some illnesses.  We also can count on losing some hearing as a result of the normal aging process.  Getting your hearing tested when you reach a senior age or if experiencing a hearing problem is another part of  preventative healthcare that should be completed.  

The very easiest kind of hearing loss that occurs is called conductive hearing loss.  Causes of this kind of hearing loss include the buildup of earwax which can easily be removed by an ENT doctor (ears, nose and throat), or at times an ear infection.   The other popular type of hearing loss is sensorineural.  This kind of loss occurs when there is damage to the inner ear.  With this kind of loss you may have trouble understanding speech especia...

Physical Touch for Senior Citizens - A Vital Connection

In the modern day world of technology, the importance of physical touch is sometimes overlooked, but for senior citizens it remains a very important element of their well-being.  As people age, their need for physical touch often becomes more pronounced.  Physical touch remains vital for senior citizens and it benefits their physical, emotional, and mental health.

From birth,  touch is a fundamental aspect of human existence.  Babies all thrive on skin-to-skin contact from their caregivers, and the need for touch continues throughout life.  As people age, we can experience changes in their physical abilities, which can limit their ability to engage in physical activities.  When we have decreases in movement this can lead to a decrease in touch.  This is important to recognize and address this need in our senior citizens.

There are actual physical benefits of touch.  Physical touch such as massages or gentle hugs can provide rel...

Safety Tips for Transferring Clients into Car

Preparing the Car

Preparing the car for your loved one to get inside is fairly easy but quite important. All you have to do is get the car as close as possible to your loved one to reduce the steps they have to take.

Once you make sure of that, drag the seat as far back as it can go to give more room for your loved one to move in.

The last step of preparing the car is optional but helpful. Place a plastic bag on the seat to minimize friction and allow for easier movement on the seat.

Preparing Yourself and the Loved One

Preparing yourself means getting everything ready before transferring your loved one to the car. Wallets, keys, bags, and everything you need should be already inside the car before you help your loved one in.

One item that could make your life a lot easier is the gait belt. It’s a belt used to assist elderly people in safely getting on their feet without grabbing their arms or hurting them. This belt is especially he...

Modern Technology Can Be Overwhelming

Let’s talk about how our world has changed and how it has affected our seniors.  The days are long gone where we go buy something at the store and just pay for our purchases.  Even paying for groceries becomes overwhelming with the amount of steps and the process involved with using any kind of card and completing the eighteen questions asked on the machine.   What people need to understand is, we all need a little bit of compassion and understanding with all the processes that are expected to be completed.  The actual personnel in customer service need to be able to listen to what is being communicated to them, and be kind enough to provide the assistance that may be required  to complete a task.  Senior citizens want to remain independent as long as possible, which means going to the doctor themselves,  doing their own shopping and banking.  What is needed on the other end is kindness, understanding and compassion.   Ask to accompany them to ...

I am sure the issue of safety of seniors at home is always a concern.   Modern day social media allows an open platform to discuss mental health issues in this country.  People are more aware of the tragic events that take place on a frequent basis.  Caregivers  need to be diligent in dealing  with the mental health issues of our loved ones as much as the physical health issues they experience.   I can assure you that this will take effort and regularly on your part.  Be sure to frequently talk to your seniors about life.  It will take a consistent conversation to pick up any changes with them.  Sometimes an untreated depression can lead to tragic results.  If the conversation at all sounds hopeless or dark you must intervene and get them to see their doctor right away.  

Depression in the elderly has many signs and symptoms.  Seclusion, no appetite, not wanting to perform the tasks they usually do during the day, and a decrease in personal hygiene.  Mental illness in seniors wears...