Did you know that arthritis isn’t a single disease? The term actually refers to joint pain or joint disease, and there are more than 100 types of arthritis and related conditions.
May is recognized annually as Arthritis Awareness Month – an opportunity for us to join the Arthritis Foundation and other organizations to share information about arthritis and ways you can treat or manage it.
Here are some fast facts from the Arthritis Foundation: Continue reading Fast Facts About Arthritis
Healthy aging includes healthy vision.
May is Healthy Vision Month – a great time to learn about common age-related eye problems and what you can do to prevent them.
According to the American Optometric Association, the risk of developing eye diseases significantly increases after age 65. The most common age-related vision diseases include:
Whether it’s tending a large vegetable plot, working in a community garden, or planting a few potted pansies, gardening can do wonders for a senior’s overall health and well-being.
More Than A Hobby
“For many seniors, gardening is much more than a hobby. Being outdoors and digging in the dirt is a great way for seniors to improve their physical and emotional health,” said Sierra Goetz, co-founder and operations manager at Tudor Oaks Home Care’s partner, the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “With a little help, even seniors with limited space, mobility, or other aging struggles can enjoy the benefits of gardening.”
Here are a few ways your aging loved ones can benefit from gardening:
Continue reading Senior Green Thumbs – The Benefits of Gardening
Are you thinking about a career in health care?
Would you like to gain valuable experience while completing your education?
If so, professional caregiving might be the job for you.
“Caregiving is the perfect job for busy students – especially those who working toward a career as a nurse, physical therapist or other health care occupations,” said Sierra Goetz, co-founder and operations manager at Tudor Oaks Home Care’s partner, the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “At HCAN, we understand that it’s not possible for students to maintain a 9-5, Monday through Friday work schedule. We offer flexible hours so we can accommodate students’ hectic schedules, while still providing our clients with exceptional care.”
You may have heard the heartbreaking news – actor Bruce Willis has been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD).
“FTD is a cruel disease that many of us have never heard of and can strike anyone,” his family said in a statement sharing the diagnosis. “For people under 60, FTD is the most common form of dementia, and because getting the diagnosis can take years, FTD is likely much more prevalent than we know.”
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, FTD is caused by a group of disorders that gradually damage the brain’s frontal lobes (the areas behind your forehead) and/or its temporal lobes (the regions behind your ears). There are three types of FTD: Continue reading What is Frontotemporal Dementia?
You worked hard.
You achieved your professional goals.
You saved enough money to retire early and comfortably.
You love traveling, playing golf and spending time with your family, but you’re also looking for more – maybe a meaningful encore career.
“Professional caregiving is a great option for older men and women who want more than a paycheck. The older caregivers on our team enjoy staying active and, most importantly, making an important difference in the lives of others,” said Sierra Goetz, operations manager at Tudor Oaks Home Care’s partner, the Home Care Advocacy Network. “With many years of life and work experience experience, retirees have so much to offer – that’s why they’re such great caregivers.”
Do you have aging loved ones who are living with diabetes?
A chronic condition, diabetes affects how the body turns food into energy. It occurs when the pancreases is no longer able to make insulin or when the body can’t make good use of the insulin it produces. Over time, diabetes can cause serious health problems, such as heart disease, kidney disease and vision loss.
According to the American Diabetes Association:
“Although there is no cure, there are things you can do to help your senior loved ones manage their diabetes and continue to live independently in their homes,” said Sierra Goetz, co-founder and operations manager at Tudor Oaks Home Care’s partner, the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “If family members or friends aren’t available to help, you might want to consider hiring an in-home professional caregiver – someone who will consistently deliver services needed to help your loved ones stay on top of prescribed dietary, exercise and medication regimens.” Continue reading Five Ways Home Care Can Help Seniors Living with Diabetes
The volume on your dad’s television is blaring.
When talking to your mom, she’s constantly asking you to repeat what you said.
In group settings, your parents never join the conversation.
Hearing loss is a common problem that comes with aging. According to the National Institute on Aging, nearly 25 percent of those aged 65 – 74 and 50 percent of those who are 75 and older have disabling hearing loss.
The good news – hearing aids can help most older adults hear sounds they’ve not previously heard, hear speech over the telephone more clearly, make communication with family and friends easier and improve communication in noisy listening situations, like a restaurant.
And now a new study shows hearing aids might also be an important tool in the effort to prevent cognitive decline and dementia. Continue reading Hearing Aids Can Lessen Cognitive Decline
Each year, millions of older Americans fall victim to some type of financial fraud. According to a report from the Federal Trade Commission, older adults were scammed out of more than $1 billion last year – losing an average of $32,200.
“Seniors who live alone, have memory issues or don’t understand technology are especially vulnerable,” said Sierra Goetz, co-founder and operations manager at Tudor Oaks Home Care’s partner, the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “Unfortunately, the holiday season provides many opportunities for scammers to prey on older people – turning what’s supposed to be the most joyous time of the year into a nightmare.” Continue reading Protecting Your Senior from Holiday Scams
While we typically hear of outbreaks among babies and small children, adults can also get RSV, and those who are 65 and older are at risk of severe infection. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it’s estimated that more than 177,000 older adults are hospitalized with RSV infections each year in the United States.