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Seniors with dementia sometimes experience hallucinations caused by changes occurring in the brain. This can be disconcerting for both the senior and his or her family who may struggle to understand why it happens. When a hallucination occurs for the first time, it is important to notify a physician who can run tests to identify a possible underlying cause. Additionally, becoming aware of the types of hallucinations and the best ways to manage them can provide a sense of relief to families of a loved one with dementia. Types of Hallucinations A hallucination occurs when a person believes they are experiencing something that is not real. Visual hallucinations are the most common, and include flashes of light, images, or seeing…

Effective communication is vital for preserving current relationships and for establishing new ones. Seniors with Parkinson’s disease (PD) can have a hard time expressing themselves due to the impact that this illness has on basic, cognitive abilities. Following are several things that seniors with PD and their Vancouver home care professional should know about the effects that Parkinson’s disease may have on a person’s communication skills. Each Person is Different Much like all other aspects of Parkinson’s disease, the development of specific, communication-related symptoms is not guaranteed to occur at any set time or level of progression. Some people retain sharp cognitive skills and communication abilities for quite some time. Others can begin to struggle with formulating sentences or finding…

Seniors who receive professional in-home care after they are discharged from the hospital have faster recovery times and are less likely to require readmission. During the transition home, caregivers can ensure their loved one’s best chances for a strong recovery and reduce their stress by establishing a comprehensive plan for post-hospital care. The following checklist is designed to provide caregivers and their loved ones with all the information needed to navigate through the discharge process and ensure that all after-care needs are met. Symptoms Requiring Follow-Up During recovery from an illness or injury, it is important to watch for signs that a senior’s condition is worsening. Common symptoms should be listed on the discharge papers and may include signs of…

Transitioning to dentures can be incredibly challenging, especially during the formative stages of this change. These appliances require the development and use of all new muscles for talking, chewing and making a variety of facial expressions. As a result, people often struggle with eating and find it tiring and even painful to masticate hard, crunchy and chewy foods. Vancouver senior care experts recommend the following tips to help make the adjustment process much easier for your senior loved one. 1. Cut Foods into Small, Bite-Sized Pieces Caregivers in Vancouver should take the time to cut foods into very small pieces to limit the amount of chewing seniors have to do in order to avoid choking and to ensure good digestion….

Increasing fiber consumption is often recommended to seniors by nutritionists because the complex carbohydrate offers so many benefits. Although there are several ways to classify fiber, the nutritional benefits remain the same and have been listed below by Home Care Assistance Vancouver! Helps Reduce Cholesterol – Consuming peas, lentils, and beans can help reduce cholesterol due to the viscous fiber contained in these foods. When fiber combines with water, it forms a jelly like substance in the stomach which helps to absorb any bad cholesterol that may be found there. Weight Control – Fiber that is found in the foods mentioned above increase the feelings of fullness resulting from the jelly-like substance formed in the stomach. This makes it easier…

Advances in medical technology and increased knowledge of how nutrition and exercise can improve overall health are allowing seniors to enjoy longer, healthier, and happier lives. Recently, other factors like living a purposeful life have also been found to contribute significantly to the overall life quality of our aging population. The Health Benefits of Purposeful Senior Living According to Patricia Boyle, a neuropsychologist at the Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center in Chicago, purpose is a “very robust predictor of health and wellness in old age,” and can contribute to better moods, sleep, physical functioning, and overall levels of satisfaction and happiness. Having a strong purpose in life has also been found to slow down or prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s disease as…

One of the hardest things for an individual to adjust to after a stroke is the increased level of dependence they have on others. If your parent, grandparent, or relative has recently had a stroke, check out the following tips which can help you ensure comfort and enhance recovery, while also ensuring feelings of dignity and independence. Be informed. The risk of a recurrent stroke is as high as 40% in older adults, making it of the utmost importance for families to learn what lifestyle habits can be adopted to reduce stroke risk. Family members should also become familiar with their loved one’s care plan, medications, and therapies to ensure a safe, healthy, and effective recovery at home. Be present….

As a leading provider of hourly and live-in home care in Vancouver, our caregivers assist many seniors with chronic illnesses. We know that refusing treatment isn’t common among aging adults and this often leaves families contending with a range of difficult emotions. Foremost among these is a pervasive sense of helplessness. Fortunately, however, there are a number of ways to continue offering support and care to your senior loved one if you are in this situation. Seek Acceptance In instances in which a senior is justified in his or her decision to refuse treatment, it is important for family members to learn how to accept the given diagnosis and prognosis. For example, some aging adults are well aware of the…

Older people frequently experience problems with seasonal allergies, but their treatment programs often differ from that of younger adults. If you provide home care for an aging parent or loved one experiencing seasonal allergies, allergy shot treatments may be beneficial and can also help him or her avoid medications that cause unpleasant side effects. Your loved one’s physician will take some factors into consideration before starting a therapy plan that involves injections. Pre-Existing Conditions Some seniors who have underlying medical problems such as high blood pressure, arrhythmias and blood clots may not be good candidates to receive allergy shots. Beta-blockers are medications that are commonly used to treat cardiovascular illness, and they may increase the chances for an adverse reaction…

Caregivers who are responsible for making sure that their senior loved ones attend their medical appointments can prepare in advance to ensure that each visit is productive. Following a few simple guidelines before each appointment can help make sure that important details are not forgotten. Updating the Medication List Home Care Assistance Vancouver encourages family caregivers to regularly review their loved one’s medication list to be sure that it is accurate and up-to-date. Important information should include: Allergies Prescription names Dosages and frequency Vitamins and minerals Herbal supplements Over-the-counter remedies Compose a List of Questions A great idea for family members is to keep a running list of questions that they need to ask the doctor at the next appointment….