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Tips To Consider When Your Sleep-Wake Cycle Changes As You Age

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As you age, your sleep patterns change, causing you trouble falling asleep or staying asleep during the night, and waking up earlier in the morning. Lack of physical activity, stress, or health conditions including specific sleep disorders, circadian rhythm disturbances, & medical and psychiatric comorbidities are some of the major causes of disturbed sleep in older adults. When your sleep-wake cycle changes as you get older, following the tips given below may help you sleep better. Go to bed & get up at the same time every day, even on the weekends. Stay active by exercising regularly so you are able to sleep better. Avoid caffeine before bedtime. Avoid nicotine & alcohol in the evening. Although alcohol helps you fall asleep in almost no time, it actually causes you to wake up in the middle of the night and then prevents you from getting back to sleep. Do not lie in the bed for too long trying to sleep. If you aren’t able to sleep after about thirty minutes of trying to s

Guidelines That Should Be Considered When Selecting Senior Home Care Services

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Senior home care services bring health care and assisted living services to millions of individuals suffering from mobility issues, chronic medical conditions, physical disabilities, terminal illnesses, and dementia in a variety of forms. However, it is very important to ensure that the senior home care provider you choose is reliable. Here is a list of guidelines you should not forget considering when selecting senior home care services: Proper Licensing Each state has particular regulations in place to monitor home health care agencies, hence, it is important to ensure that senior care service is licensed properly. Accurate Servicing It is important to ensure that the senior care service you select can meet all of your needs so that you do not have to rely on multiple services or become frustrated about a lack of service. Hours Be sure to clarify the service hours that our available as some seniors may need overnight care which requires a service that operates 24x7. Emergency Policy

Healthy Habits at 60 and Beyond!

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You have lived a life of diverse experiences which have made you who you’re today. How would it be to feel more vibrant, healthier, and more joyful? Sounds impossible at this stage of life? Well, it isn’t if you cultivate healthy habits. Good habits can make a difference in the life of even those seniors who have health issues or haven’t made their health a priority in the past. Some of the healthy habits the elderly should cultivate are listed below: Eat right – You know this already. However, what you probably don’t know is that eating right is beyond eating more veggies & letting go of your favorite desserts and potato fries. For example, the elderly needs more fiber as their digestive system slows down as they age. Plan time for joy – Write down all the things that bring you joy. Make sure you do one of these things daily so they become a part of everyday routine. Planning time for joy triggers dopamine, vasopressin, & oxytocin hormones; and reduces cortisol (stress hormon

Everything You Need to Know about Alzheimer’s

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Alzheimer care Lakeland Florida The earlier you detect the symptoms of Alzheimer’s, the better it will be for your loved one. Having some information about the disease can come really handy. Common Symptoms of Alzheimer’s The symptoms of Alzheimer’s vary from person to person. However, they typically include chronic depression, forgetfulness and bouts of fatigue, poor dietary decisions, disorientation and possibly even paranoid or aggressive behavior. However, a diagnosis of symptoms is never definitive while the person suffering the effects is alive, and a surefire diagnosis can only be obtained through a postmortem autopsy of the brain. This is the reason why many instances of other forms of senile dementia are often incorrectly determined to be Alzheimer's even when they are not. Differentiating Among Other Forms of Dementia Considering the fact that the symptoms associated with this problem are similar to many forms of senile dementia, it's critical th

Managing Mobility Decline in Old Age

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Mobility problems in old age may include difficulty getting in & out of a chair, unsteadiness while walking, or increasing falls. Joint pain, muscle weakness, & neurological difficulties may also contribute to mobility problems in the elderly. Sometimes, many mild problems combine & occur simultaneously, affecting mobility. To prevent mobility problems or reduce the risk of it getting worse, here are some tips to follow: Stay active – Exercising regularly can help strengthen the muscles & improve flexibility. Moreover, with increased strength & balance, seniors can manoeuvre better and eliminate the risk of falls.  Check for the possible influence of medications – Prescription, over-the-counter, and even herbal medications can sometimes cause drowsiness or distraction that can lead to falls. In case medications are affecting your balance or alertness, consult with your physician immediately so they can prescribe you a lower dose or different medica

Depression Is Not A Normal Part Of Aging!

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Depression isn’t just having “the blues” or feeling low when grieving the loss of a loved one. It’s a medical condition which is treatable, just like any other condition, such as diabetes, hypertension, etc.  Depression in the Elderly Depression is a common problem among the elderly, but isn’t a normal part of aging. There are many factors that contribute to this mental health condition in older adults, like declining health, death of a spouse, transitioning from work into retirement, etc.  All these life changes which happen as you get older may cause feelings of uneasiness, sadness, and stress. Many seniors regain their emotional balance after a period of adjustment, but others don’t and gradually fall into depression.  Recognizing the Symptoms of Depression in seniors Some of the most common symptoms of depression in the elderly are: Feelings of guilt, worthlessness and helplessness Feelings of hopelessness and pessimism Irritability and restlessness Difficulty co

The Challenges of Being a Family Caregiver

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Helping Hand Nursing Services Caregiving can be a rewarding experience, but it also comes with its own challenges. Things get worse if the caregiver has other important responsibilities, like a job, kids to care for, a busy social life, etc.  Many people will become an aging loved one’s primary caregiver if they haven’t already. By recognizing the challenges of caregiving, you may be able to prepare yourself in advance & reduce the difficulties which lie ahead.  Some common challenges family caregivers experience are: Stress – Family caregivers are likely to experience a high level of emotional & mental stress, especially if they are caring for seniors with chronic conditions, such as dementia or Alzheimer’s. The physical demands of cargiving duties like lifting and helping with mobility can also take a toll on their health and cause stress.  Financial Strain – The more hours caregivers devote to caring for a senior family member, the bigger the impact on the