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Family Caregivers are Challenged By Their Loved One's Diabetes Care

The Hormone Foundation recently surveyed unpaid family caregivers of people with diabetes. The Foundation, which is the public education affiliate of the Endocrine Society, wanted to better understand the daily needs and struggles of these caregivers. The online survey found that the major challenges in caring for those with diabetes include ensuring compliance with prescribed diet and exercise; helping their loved one maintain the target blood sugar level; and dealing with their loved one's ... READ MORE Posted December 19, 2012 at 11:47 AM

Top 10 Resolutions for Family Caregivers

Family caregivers are just about the busiest people around! But it's worthwhile to set aside a few minutes for creating resolutions that will make 2012 more meaningful and less stressful. Resolution No. 1: Take care of your own health. As we’ve seen in previous issues of Caring Right at Home, family caregivers are less likely to eat well, have regular medical checkups and get enough exercise. This leads to increased risk of depression, high blood pressure,heart disease&nbs... READ MORE Posted December 19, 2012 at 11:43 AM

Could The Diagnosis be Cyberchondria

Edward noticed a strange red patch on the top of his head. It grew larger during the course of a week. Concerned, Edward sat down at his computer, went to his favorite search engine and entered the term "round skin sore." The search yielded many articles suggesting that his symptom could be a sign of skin cancer, Lyme disease, shingles ... the list was long and scary. When Edward finally went to the doctor, however, the diagnosis was ringworm—a harmless fungal infection easily treated wi... READ MORE Posted December 19, 2012 at 11:40 AM

Online Buzz Fish Oils Fights Aging

In looking for practical ways to slow down the aging process, health-conscious seniors can now turn to fish oils as a significant anti-aging source. A recent British study found women over age 65 nearly doubled their muscle mass after exercise when taking fish oil supplements as compared to a placebo of olive oil. The fish oils helped counteract the effects of sarcopenia—the natural loss of muscle mass as the body gets older. The British researchers focused on the benefits of th... READ MORE Posted December 19, 2012 at 11:36 AM

Seniors and Spirituality

In many cultures and most religious traditions, the elders of the community are looked upon as persons of wisdom and mature spirituality. The later years of life inspire many older adults to enhanced spiritual contemplation. Much of life’s work is done. Those past retirement age have already raised their families, been productive in society and given much to their communities. As we age, the reality and inevitability of the end of life grows more present. Now the pace of life slows down, and ... READ MORE Posted December 19, 2012 at 11:32 AM

Elder Care Conversation During Holiday Visits

As Kelly drove from the airport to her parents’ house, she thought, "I bet Mom will be making gingerbread." But as she pulled into the driveway, she was shocked to see that the grass was uncut, several days' mail was in the mailbox and when Dad came to the door, it was obvious that the house needed a good cleaning. Mom, always so meticulously dressed, was still in her housecoat. Kelly realized that Mom had downplayed the effects of the stroke she’d suffered six months earlier—and it was obvio... READ MORE Posted December 19, 2012 at 11:30 AM

Elder Care Conversation During Holiday Visits

As Kelly drove from the airport to her parents’ house, she thought, "I bet Mom will be making gingerbread." But as she pulled into the driveway, she was shocked to see that the grass was uncut, several days' mail was in the mailbox and when Dad came to the door, it was obvious that the house needed a good cleaning. Mom, always so meticulously dressed, was still in her housecoat. Kelly realized that Mom had downplayed the effects of the stroke she’d suffered six months earlier—and it was obvio... READ MORE Posted December 19, 2012 at 11:29 AM

Five Great Gifts for Family Caregivers

If a family caregiver is on your holiday shopping list, you no doubt want to express your admiration and support with an especially thoughtful gift. Keep in mind that for people who are providing care for an elderly or disabled loved one, a gift-wrapped bauble may well be less welcome than practical offerings. Instead of roaming the mall gift shops, consider these thoughtful gifts that demonstrate your appreciation: The gift of time. A recent Right at Home poll asked readers to name the ... READ MORE Posted December 19, 2012 at 11:23 AM

What Causes Urinary Incontinence?

The first step in treating incontinece is to determine underlying causes and diagnose the type of incontinence the person is experiencing. Urge incontinence results from neurological damage, stokes, diabetes or the aftermath of bladder infections or kidney stones. In this circumstance, the individual does not receive a brain signal in time to reach the bathroom before the bladder begins to empty itself. Over flow incontinece occurs when small amounts of urine leak from a bladder tha... READ MORE Posted December 19, 2012 at 07:41 AM

Multigenerational Living Is it right for your family?

Intergenerational living is on the upswing these days. For almost a century the trend was for seniors and adult children to live apart. But in today's economy, 20 percent of seniors over 65 are living with their children and/ or grandchildren. Mirroring this trend, younger adults are living with their parents longer as they pay off student loans, establish their careers or save for their own home. According to the Pew Research Center, a record 49 million Americans now live in a household made... READ MORE Posted November 13, 2012 at 09:01 AM