TECHNOLOGY FOR SENIORS

When caring for an elder loved one, some conversations are unpleasant but necessary. One of those conversations is often about alcohol consumption.  To be clear right off the bat: this isn’t about alcoholism or addiction. Those are distinct conditions, which have to be addressed on their own.  What we’re talking about here is ‘casual’ or […]

“NO!” It’s the favorite word of toddlers and the favorite word of most seniors who need regular care. And that – as much as anything – is one of the significant flashpoints between caregivers and care recipients. Too many people see superficial similarities between the behavior of a child and an older adult, and instinctively […]

It sounds almost too good to be true: Mannitol, a common sweetener used in diabetic food, may be a weapon in the fight against neuron decline in Parkinson’s Disease. “In 2013, researcher Daniel Segal, PhD, his longtime collaborator, Ehud Gazit, PhD, and several colleagues at Tel Aviv University published preclinical research showing that mannitol could […]

While it may be hot & steamy out, in reality it is the perfect time to help your senior loved one take a look at their financial health. After all, financial problems don’t take a summer holiday. Examine credit card & bank statements for recurring charges. Many seniors have services they signed up for ages […]

Computer use is a fact of life in today’s world. But for someone who grew up in an analog world, the switch to digital can be disorienting. You can help make your senior loved ones’ time on the computer a much more enjoyable – and less frustrating – experience. Keep their computers updated. Make sure […]

A recent report showed that up to 1 million Americans are non-verbal. For someone who cannot easily communicate, the world can be a terrifying place. But there are some ways you can help a non-verbal loved one live a richer and fuller life. Emotion Board. A simple device showing a person expressing different emotions. The […]

Some scary news from the Michael J Fox foundation. “Of respondents with Parkinson’s, 51 reported a diagnosis of COVID-19. In patients with both diagnoses, 55% reported a worsening of their motor symptoms such as tremor, slowness or imbalance during infection. Slightly more than 50% also reported worsening non-motor symptoms, such as mood issues, digestive problems, […]

Recent upward trends in Covid numbers means more and more states are reversing decisions to loosen lockdown restrictions. That means it’s time to start asking some questions of elder loved ones who have to stay at home. “What’s in your fridge?” Proper nutrition is always important, but during these trying times it can be particularly […]

In the year 2020, we have so many choices for entertainment that we are paralyzed by the options available. But our senior loved ones grew up in a simple era, one where there may have only been three television stations to watch (if that many). That lack of options means people from that era tend […]

From NPR, a basic physics lesson may be a key to understanding diseases like Alzheimer’s. “The same process that causes dew drops to form on a blade of grass appears to play an important role in Alzheimer’s and other brain diseases. The process, known as phase transition, is what allows water vapor to condense into […]

An elderly relative wandering off never to be seen again is the single greatest fear of most caregivers. Simply put, there is no way to completely safeguard against it, but there are some steps which can be taken to help prevent a wandering incident. Identity jewelry or cards. The old standby of a piece of […]

A little technology may make a huge difference for seniors going forward. From KEPR-TV, a report on the way the Visiting Angels technology assistance group is empowering seniors in this time of isolation. “The tablets allow them to have virtual visits with doctors. The doctors can send prescriptions to the pharmacy and the Visiting Nurse […]

Dinnertime can sometimes feel like wartime when caring for the elderly. Dietary & medical needs, cognitive issues, dexterity problems and complex emotional relationships combine to create a minefield which has to be navigated for everyone’s health and well-being. Here are some tips for making sure meal times can be safe and calm for everyone. Routine, […]

The Covid lockdowns have taken a toll on all of us. But it’s particularly hard on seniors. Residential facilities have been almost totally locked down for months, with no visitors allowed in, or excursions out. Independent seniors have had to take added precautions KPRC in Houston has some more on the physical toll this isolation […]

Eventually, most of our elder loved ones will get to a point at which they can no longer live independently. In many cases, we caregivers will offer to take that loved one into our home. The transition can be difficult emotionally, even before you consider what it’s like to live with someone who is in […]

Some fascinating reading on a potential treatment for Parkinson’s. Neurostimulation through surgically placed, battery-powered implants is often used to help reduce tremors in people with Parkinson’s disease. However, the devices are often large and batteries may need to be charged or replaced through surgery. Their wires can also facilitate infections. Neuroengineers at Rice University has […]