Common conditions of the elderly
Statistically, reported deaths over the age of 65 years are as follows: heart disease 29%, malignancy 23%, stroke 7%, respiratory disease 5%, falls 4%, flu and pneumonia 3%, and Alzheimer’s disease 2%. These figures represent the primary or presenting diagnosis as recorded on the death certificate. But is it safe to assume that these conditions alone are the main cause of deterioration in the elderly?
The 5 Stages of Family Caregiving
Caregiving is like being in a dramatic movie where the inevitable end is already known but the story itself is unpredictable and full of twists and turns, highs and lows, peaks of joy and sorrow, high anxiety and quiet satisfaction. Although you already know the ending, looking after a parent is full of surprises that may just cause you to wonder “What comes next?” while you catch your breath!
For the love of pets
The connection between people and their pets is as old as time, and new benefits are reported every day, especially for seniors.
When asked to provide money for an assistive device or to plan for future costs of care, it is important to have an understanding of the technology and costs involved. This article reviews the cost of some of the common equipment prescribed, the process for accessing this equipment and possible alternative funding sources available.
10 Ways to Help a Suddenly-Single Parent
After a parent passes away, a surviving parent will need as much support as possible. Here are 10 areas in which you can help your parent.
Nutrition and the Elderly
Most health-conscious baby boomers do their best to maintain a healthy body by controlling calories and eating a well-balanced diet. So it would only make sense that these same practices would be continued into old age, right?
Life without a car: Helping seniors adjust
Currently, 2.7 million seniors in Canada are licensed to drive. While the majority of these drivers are safe, an unfortunate reality is that driving can become more dangerous as we age. In fact, the 85+ group has the highest reported crash rate.
Palliative Care and a Dignified Death
Palliative care, by definition, is any form of medical care or treatment that concentrates on reducing the severity of the disease symptoms, rather than striving to halt, delay or reverse progression of the disease itself or to provide a cure. The goal is to prevent and relieve suffering and to improve quality of life for people facing serious complex illnesses.
When your loved one has had a stroke
A stroke can be very traumatic. It often occurs suddenly, and the resulting damage can range from mild to severe. A person who has had a stroke will most often be admitted to a hospital for assessment and possible rehab; after which, the person will be discharged. So how can you prepare for your loved one’s return home?
How to help a parent move
At 82 years of age, dad was making a decision