As our valley’s population matures, health care providers and families seek effective ways to support older adults in maintaining active, engaged lifestyles. Recent research in psychology offers promising insights through Self-Determination Theory (SDT), which helps us understand how to nurture genuine motivation in those 55 years and older, leading to better health outcomes and improved… Read more »
Sudden hospitalization can be overwhelming for both patients and their families. At a moment’s notice, you may find yourself navigating complex medical decisions, coordinating care and managing financial concerns — all while trying to focus on recovery. But with a little preparation, you can take charge and ensure a smoother, less stressful experience. Many people… Read more »
Caring for others can be filled with emotions. When you care, you are making a sustained emotional investment in another’s well-being. However, many of the emotions caregivers experience are stressful. According to the Family Caregiver Alliance, some of the primary emotions caregivers experience are anger, resentment, grief, sadness, frustration, guilt, loneliness and depression. The care… Read more »
As a nurse advocate and community care coordinator, I have heard many of my clients express a heartfelt desire to age in their own homes, where they also want to receive end-of-life care. Staying in a familiar environment, surrounded by cherished memories and a sense of independence, is deeply comforting. Here’s how you can thrive… Read more »
In our fast-paced, technology-driven world, the voices of older adults often go unheard. Yet, listening to them is not just a matter of respect; it is a crucial aspect of building a compassionate and informed society. Anthropologists agree that in prehistoric times, the accumulated wisdom of older people was a key to survival.1 It is… Read more »
Most of us don’t want to think about the end of our lives or those of our loved ones. However, preparing ahead can help make options, including a transition to assisted living, feel less overwhelming, thus facilitating confidence and peace of mind. Discussing options, before the decision has to be made, can also ease tension… Read more »
As a caregiver, are you ready for a flood, fire, hurricane or haboob? Having a well-thought-out plan in place can help protect the health and safety of yourself and those for whom you care. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you develop an effective plan. Know your needs. If the person you care for has… Read more »
With the holiday season upon us, traveling is likely top of mind for many individuals and their families. However, those caring for someone with dementia may be wondering if traveling is a realistic option. The good news is that taking a dementia-friendly trip, while ensuring your loved one’s safety, comfort and enjoyment, is possible. Steps… Read more »
No one likes to talk about death. However, it’s an important financial planning topic to consider. We all know we should have a living trust or will in place, yet even with the basics prepared and paid for, there are unexpected scenarios that can significantly set you back both emotionally and financially. Basic preparation. In… Read more »
As a nurse and care manager who has worked in the homes and at the bedside of older adults for many years, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the profound impact that a good caregiver can have on someone’s life. I’ve also seen the unfortunate effects of when a caregiver isn’t quite the right fit.… Read more »
Recently, the New York Times published an article by Tara Siegel Bernard entitled, “How One Man Lost $740,000 to Scammers Targeting His Retirement Savings.” The victim, a retired lawyer, was convinced by scammers that he was part of a government investigation. The scheme involved several individuals posing as investigators, IRS agents and authorities. They convinced… Read more »
One in three adults in the U.S. is an informal family caregiver for someone who is aging or has health issues,1 equating to 53 million unpaid caregivers.2 Providing part-time or full-time assistance to loved ones can be both challenging and stressful. Building a care team to provide support can help minimize feelings of overwhelm. The… Read more »
As a health coach deeply immersed in the intricacies of natural health, I’ve often pondered society’s fixation on youthful appearances. From a tender age, my perception of aging has always diverged from the mainstream. I remember being 8 or 9, captivated by the older individuals around me. Their wrinkles and lines were not signs of… Read more »
Recovering from surgery or a serious illness is a challenging journey. As an experienced nurse advocate, I have seen firsthand how advocacy can lead to better outcomes and a positive rehabilitation (rehab) experience. Here are some practical steps to help you, your loved one, or friend navigate this critical time effectively and safely. Know your… Read more »
Research shows that the chances of getting a urinary tract infection (UTI) are more common in the summer. As heat and humidity rise, it is easier for germs or bacteria to grow, thus, not staying hydrated this time of year can increase the risk of developing a UTI. There are steps you can take to… Read more »
Long-term care (LTC) is a topic many of us would rather not think about, yet understanding your LTC coverage before you need to use it is an essential step in securing your future health and financial well-being. LTC encompasses a variety of services and support to meet health or personal care needs over an extended… Read more »
Alzheimer’s is a complex disease and recent breakthroughs in treatment are bringing hope to individuals affected by the disease and their families. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved several new medications to help manage the symptoms or treat the disease. Following is an overview of each. Cholinesterase inhibitors such as Galantamine (Razadyne), Rivastigmine… Read more »
Caregiving is hard, especially for those who circumstantially assume the role for a loved one or parent. Statistics show that family caregivers are at significantly higher risk of developing disease, depression, anxiety – and even dying before those for whom they are caring. Why? Because when caregiving for someone who has given so much of… Read more »
Socialization is important for everyone; but for those with dementia, it takes on an even more critical role. Socialization provides a controlled, yet varied experience of both human and environmental interaction. Some are intended to spark the senses, such as experiencing a new location or smelling fresh flowers in a garden. Others may involve exposure… Read more »
During our five years of helping seniors better understand the benefits of medical and recreational cannabis, Senior-High has maintained one consistent stipulation: when first using cannabis with THC, go “low and slow.” We strongly suggest that first-time users who may have tried cannabis years ago approach today’s gummies, vapes, pre-rolls and tinctures cautiously. Only buy… Read more »
