Posts by Gauthier Family Home Care
Could Your Dad Be Depressed Without You Realizing It?
For adults aged 65 or older, about 2 million have a form of depression. Losing a spouse, child, or significant other can play a part in depression in the elderly. Being diagnosed with a chronic health condition is another reason for clinical depression. One of the worries with seniors who are depressed is the risk…
Read MoreDoes Your Elderly Relative Have a Fire Escape Plan?
If your aging relative noticed a fire in their home, would they know what to do to escape? When it is a real emergency, many seniors are not sure how they would escape the home, especially if they are physically or cognitively limited in what they can do. It’s a good idea to create a…
Read MoreGetting Serious about Self-Care
If you haven’t started focusing on self-care and how that impacts you as a caregiver, you need to change your thinking on that topic. Self-care can be one of the most important and effective things that you do on your caregiving journey. Make the Conscious Decision to Take Care of You. For so many caregivers,…
Read MoreSevere Alzheimer’s Disease and What it Means for Your Senior
Once your elderly family member reaches the later stages of Alzheimer’s disease you’ve both already been through so much together. This stage is still painful, but it can bring with it bigger health problems to add to everything else. She May Lose the Ability to Communicate. Over time, your elderly family member’s ability to communicate…
Read MoreFive Items Your Mom Will Want After a Fall
Each year, 25 percent of American men and women over the age of 65 falls at least once. Preventative measures will help. You can remove clutter, fix loose flooring, and improve lighting, but it can’t prevent every fall. If your mom falls on an icy sidewalk, trips on stairs, or falls out of bed, you…
Read MoreHow Do You Manage Delusions That Come With Dementia?
Delusions are a frightening symptom of dementia. Not every person gets them, but those who do will start having them in the middle to late stages of the disease. When they happen, they are extremely real and even terrifying to the person with dementia. Your dad may insist that his grandson took his glasses. Your…
Read MoreHow Can Family Caregivers Find Time to Exercise?
If you are vowing to fit more exercise into your weekly routines for your New Year’s resolution, you aren’t alone. Research shows that a healthier diet and more exercise top the list of goals for the new year. However, as a family caregiver, you may have a more difficult time finding spare moments during the…
Read MoreFive Dangers Your Dad Faces on a Winter Walk and How to Prevent Them
A daily walk is a great way for your dad to get exercise. In the winter, it can also be dangerous. Make sure your dad is aware of the risks. Discuss ways for him to stay safe while taking a walk during the winter. Here are five things to talk about. 1. Ice and Packed…
Read MoreWhat Are the Symptoms of Osteoarthritis?
As people age, it’s not uncommon for them to develop arthritis. The most common kind of arthritis is called osteoarthritis. It is the type of arthritis that occurs when the cartilage that protects the ends of bones wears down due to wear and tear. This makes movement painful and can even cause the bones to…
Read MoreTips for Helping Older Adults Eat
If you’re having trouble getting your aging relative to eat, you’re not alone. Many family caregivers struggle with mealtimes and convincing seniors to consume enough food. There are all kinds of reasons older adults don’t want to eat, including medical problems or just feeling lonely when they have to eat alone. If you’re having trouble…
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