If you live an hour or more away from a parent or relative who relies on you for some form of care, you are considered a long-distance caregiver. Managing long-distance caregiving is no easy task. It is stressful and time-consuming and difficult to accomplish without additional help. Being far from your loved one when they…
Green tea is well-known for helping induce a calm, alert mental state, but did you know it could also deliver cognitive support? Scientists believe this is due to the unique nutritional aspects of green tea, including high levels of the amino acid Theanine. This is great news for anyone who would like an extra boost to be…
Much as in the general population, senior mental health is of equal importance to physical health. In fact, the two play off each other. In 1999, the U.S. surgeon general defined mental health as “the successful performance of mental function, resulting in productive activities, fulfilling relationships with other people, and providing the ability to adapt to change and…
Wouldn’t you be confused if a near-stranger patted your head and called you “sweetie”, or if a nurse shouted instructions despite your excellent hearing? These behaviors are confusing and elicit irritation, but, for seniors, they are becoming more and more common. Ageism, elderspeak, and bias are an unfortunate reality for many seniors in long-term care.…
“There are only four kinds of people in the world. ~ Those who have been caregivers. ~ Those who are currently caregivers. Those who will be caregivers, and those who will need a caregiver.” ― Rosalyn Carter Statistics on Caregiving According to the National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC) and the AARP Public Policy Institute, an…
Imagine if studies on the effects of eating dog food looked only at its effects on cats. While it sounds outrageous, that is the logic currently employed by many medical researchers studying treatments for a vast array of chronic illnesses. Chronic illnesses affect older people at a higher rate than younger people. At the same time,…
Taking care of ill or elderly relatives is a complicated and stressful situation. That stress is compounded in the case of long-distance caregiving. As more and more adult children care for their elderly parents, this issue is becoming more common. According to a survey conducted by the MetLife Mature Market Institute and the National Alliance…