Many of us feel a bit more sluggish during the shorter days of winter, and older adults are no exception. One possible cause is seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which can mimic depression and other mental health conditions, but can also be effectively treated once accurately diagnosed. Symptoms of SAD can vary widely, and may include low energy, loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities, feelings of hopelessness, sleeping problems, weight gain, and difficulty concentrating. If you notice these or other concerning signs in an older adult, the first step is to schedule an appointment with the physician, who can diagnose or rule out seasonal affective disorder. If SAD is indeed affecting the senior, treatment options can include light therapy, psychotherapy/counseling, … [Read more...] about Conquer Winter Blues with Companion Care
Therapeutic Activities for Each Stage of Alzheimer’s
Although each person experiences Alzheimer’s disease uniquely, the disease typically progresses through three main stages, and each stage brings with it different challenges to address in order to provide the best level of care. Understanding these stages, and where a senior falls within the continuum, can help in delivering the most appropriate therapeutic approach. THE MEDICAL TEAM’s Alzheimer’s disease and dementia care team offers these details on what to expect in each stage, and suggests appropriate activities to help seniors reach their highest potential. Stage 1 (Mild): In the early stage of Alzheimer’s, mild forgetfulness and misplacing items is common. It can become challenging for the senior to recall names of new acquaintances, to plan out tasks, and to remember recently … [Read more...] about Therapeutic Activities for Each Stage of Alzheimer’s
Helping Older Adults Beat the Winter Holiday Blues
The holiday season truly feels like a wonderful time of the year for so many people, but for some older adults it can bring about feelings of wistfulness and loneliness. Loss of loved ones, physical challenges, and remembrances of seasons past can dampen the holiday spirit for seniors. Fortunately, we can all help brighten the lives of our older loved ones. THE MEDICAL TEAM’s in-home senior care experts offer the following suggestions to bring joy to this year’s winter holidays for seniors in your life: Host a decorating party at the senior’s home. It can be difficult for a senior who lives alone to manage holiday decorating. At the start of the holiday season, bring family and friends together at the older person’s home. Coordinate a potluck lunch or order in a festive holiday … [Read more...] about Helping Older Adults Beat the Winter Holiday Blues
Alone for the Holidays? Not with THE MEDICAL TEAM!
Holidays are a wonderful time of family togetherness, filled with joyful surprises, delicious meals and treats, and a chance to strengthen family ties. However, a number of factors can interfere with a picture-perfect holiday season for seniors. Families often live at a distance from one another, and travel can be difficult due to finances, health factors, the needs of young children, and more. Of course, no one wants an older adult to spend the holidays alone. One solution to help seniors enjoy the holiday season is engaging the services of a professional in-home care provider, such as THE MEDICAL TEAM. Here’s why: We serve as partners in care. We work in tandem with families to ensure that each senior’s lifestyle is upheld as he or she wishes. We truly listen to what’s important to … [Read more...] about Alone for the Holidays? Not with THE MEDICAL TEAM!
Honor and Service: Covering the Comprehensive Home Health Needs of US Veterans
They’ve dedicated their lives to serving our country, to keeping each of us safe, to protecting our freedom, and to placing their own needs second to those of their fellow Americans. Nearly 50% of all veterans are at least 65 years old. As they age it’s our turn to give back to them and to ensure their needs are met. At THE MEDICAL TEAM, we’re honored to assist veterans with maintaining the dignity they so deserve as they grow older, by providing the opportunity to remain in the comfort of home with individualized care. We realize that veterans often face certain unique challenges, such as: PTSD and other mental health concerns. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one well-publicized condition that can occur in those who’ve served during a time of war, or experienced other … [Read more...] about Honor and Service: Covering the Comprehensive Home Health Needs of US Veterans
Checking in on Seniors During the Holidays
Ah, the holidays. Time to deck the halls, bake the cookies, put up the tree, light the menorah, and enjoy time with family and friends. But as people gather together during the holidays, many realize that the health of an older adult has declined. Whether Dad isn’t walking as well as he was, or Grandma can no longer cook and has trouble remembering things, little (and big) changes in health tend to become apparent when families get together. When visiting older adults, keep an eye out for signs that that home health care may be needed, and bring this checklist with you. Overall physical and mental health Has the senior lost weight or does she seem more frail? Does she have trouble having normal conversations? Do you notice any new behaviors like repeating stories, … [Read more...] about Checking in on Seniors During the Holidays