Is It a TIA or Stroke?

September 21, 2022May 24, 2022 by careforstage

Numbness on one side of the body. Slurred speech. Confusion. Appears to be a stroke, right? Then again, if those stroke-like signs subside rather rapidly and seem minor, they may be caused by a TIA (transient ischemic attack). But prior to breathing that sigh of relief and getting back to life as usual, it’s important … Read more

Caring for a Loved One with Dysphagia

November 17, 2022May 11, 2022 by careforstage

On a hot summer day, there is nothing more satisfying than a tall, cold drink, but for someone with dysphagia, this simple pleasure can be downright dangerous. Dysphagia – or difficulty with swallowing – affects millions of older adults, because of weakened mouth and/or throat muscles. Alzheimer’s, MS, cancer, and stroke are typical root causes … Read more

Tips for Reducing Family Caregiver Stress

November 17, 2022April 7, 2022 by careforstage

Family caregiver stress is inescapable, and in reality, not necessarily always a bad thing. Basically, as they say, “A diamond is just a piece of charcoal that handled stress exceptionally well.” Yet especially for family caregivers, the level of stress can rapidly escalate and become overwhelming, and if not handled effectively, result in serious health concerns.

Investigating Incontinence Myths and Facts

September 21, 2022March 22, 2022 by careforstage

Urinary incontinence is an awkward issue for those who experience it. The stigma behind the condition commonly contributes to people having either a lack of facts or a belief in some common misconceptions about incontinence. The following are just a few incontinence myths and the facts to be aware of instead: Myth: Urinary incontinence is … Read more

Understanding Senior Incontinence

September 21, 2022March 9, 2022 by careforstage

Incontinence, or decreased bladder control, is a distressing and delicate issue, particularly for older individuals. It can trigger a variety of problems from skin sores to social isolation for individuals who are afraid to leave home in case of an “accident.” Yet, while bladder leakage causes approximately 25 million people in the U.S. to struggle with complications, the affliction hardly ever gets the attention and conversation it needs. With the lack of communication and facts about senior incontinence, many seniors and those who provide their care feel as though there is nothing that can be done about it.

You’re Doing Your Best: Tips for Managing Caregiver Guilt

September 21, 2022February 10, 2022 by careforstage

A lot of us are trying to juggle numerous assorted responsibilities, and for family caregivers, it can feel similar to juggling flaming swords and knives. It’s natural for family members to become overloaded and to experience feelings of caregiver guilt when wanting to provide the best care for a member of the family. Guilt … Read more

Technology for Seniors: Tools That Help Promote Independence

September 21, 2022January 20, 2022 by careforstage

When our parents were younger, telephones were affixed to walls, mail was only the paper variety, and if adult children lived far away from their parents, checking in on them was as simple as asking someone nearby to stop by to visit. If someone were unable to leave home as a result of sickness or frailty, isolation could rapidly set in. Social circles were smaller, and long-distance family members frequently felt powerless if they weren’t able to be there in person to help. But life has drastically changed since those times, and technology has evolved how we communicate and manage the everyday activities of living.

The Importance of Maintaining Senior Independence

September 21, 2022January 5, 2022 by careforstage

Throughout the course of life’s stages, our yearning for independence is fulfilled in a variety of ways. There are significant events, such as moving out of our parents’ home or getting married, and less significant occasions, like accomplishing a difficult task on our own. Later, as we age, preserving independence becomes the focus – the capacity to stay in our own home safely and securely. This wish to age in place at home is frequently the greatest desire for older adults, regardless of their state of health or ability to function independently, even in the midst of injury, sickness, or chronic health conditions.

‘Tis the Season to Celebrate: Holiday Tips for Seniors

September 20, 2022December 14, 2021 by careforstage

Even though the holiday season is usually viewed as a time that is joyful, abundant with visiting loved ones who are near and dear to us and selecting the perfect gifts, for older people, it can be far from merry and bright. A combination of lost loved ones, memories of holidays past, health problems, and more can hit older adults with emotions of lonesomeness and sorrow.

Tips for Safe and Enjoyable Holiday Outings for Seniors

September 21, 2022December 8, 2021 by careforstage

The holiday season is loaded with get-togethers, celebrations, and parties. However, holiday outings for seniors may necessitate a little additional planning. Try these recommendations from the Austin senior home care specialists at CareFor to enjoy fun and relaxed outings with loved ones of all ages this season.

Senior Depression: Warning Signs

September 21, 2022October 18, 2021 by careforstage

Most people go through times when they simply want to be left alone for a while with their thoughts, to sort out circumstances in their lives without distractions, or just to have some downtime. For older people, however, being isolated for an extended period of time may be indicative of a more serious condition: depression. If your loved one is facing senior depression, how will you know?

The Hidden Risks of Common Sleep Medications for Seniors

September 21, 2022September 15, 2021 by careforstage

Is there anything that feels better than waking up well rested after a good night’s sleep, feeling energized and ready to face the day? For some older adults – as many as one-third of them – getting sufficient sleep is something that only occurs in their dreams. And unfortunately, it’s a common assumption that lack of … Read more

Senior Health Tips: The Dangers of Pill Organizers

September 21, 2022September 1, 2021 by careforstage

The average senior takes as many as 15-18 different prescriptions every day, so it’s no wonder that so many older adults end up missing doses or taking incorrect doses of their medications. And there are serious health problems that can result from these medication errors. A common senior health tip is the recommendation of a pill … Read more

Seniors Can Age at Home Safely with These Tips

September 21, 2022August 26, 2021 by careforstage

The great majority of seniors are set on staying at home throughout aging, rather than relocating to an assisted living facility or nursing home – close to 9 out of 10 of them, according to research done by AARP. And who can blame them? The comfort of familiar surroundings, the freedom to go wherever, whenever … Read more

When Caring for Someone with Dementia Becomes Stressful for Family Caregivers

September 21, 2022July 15, 2021 by careforstage

Picture how it would feel to awaken in an unfamiliar location, not able to remember how you arrived there or even what your name is. Progressing into complete disorientation, then quickly leading to anger and fear, you might find yourself lashing out at the unknown person positioned beside your bed, talking to you in a quiet voice.

Enhancing Independence for Older Adults is Easier When Partnering with CareFor

September 21, 2022June 9, 2021 by careforstage

As we get older, it is common to begin to encounter challenges with daily activities, including showering, dressing, planning and preparing meals, or even driving a vehicle. This can lead to concerns that these challenges suggest that we’ll have to give up not just our self-reliance, but our home as well. However, there is encouraging news for seniors: home care services, such as those provided by CareFor, can help actually enhance independence for older adults and help them continue living at home safely where they’re most comfortable.

Is Senior Socialization the Key to Healthy Wellbeing in Older Adults?

September 21, 2022May 26, 2021 by careforstage

It’s intuitive to most of us that interacting with others improves health and wellbeing. It keeps us connected to other people’s experiences, beliefs, struggles, humor, points of views, and various other human occurrences. However, now scientific studies are determining that socializing with others, and most notably seniors socializing with others, actually may boost the wellness of both mind and body.

Benefits of a Heart Healthy Diet for Seniors

September 21, 2022February 24, 2021 by careforstage

Our senior care professionals in Austin understand that it’s tough to make the right dietary choices when guidelines appear to constantly change. We had been told that saturated fats from options like butter, red meat and fried food were harmful and could potentially impact a person’s odds of developing heart problems, but later research revealed there isn’t enough evidence that people who gave up these delicacies improved their heart health – and so, we went back to our old ways due to the go-ahead to opt for butter over margarine.

Home Care Assistance Following a Hospital Stay

September 21, 2022December 23, 2020 by careforstage

Caregiver taking client's blood pressure

A priority for hospitals currently is decreasing readmissions for patients who are at high risk. Healthcare Financial Management Association’s article “Two Ways Hospitals Can Reduce Avoidable Readmissions” explains that effective initiatives from several hospitals with minimal 30-day rehospitalizations are, to a certain extent, the result of working together with inpatient and outpatient care providers, such as CareFor, which offers trusted home care assistance.

Holidays With Seniors May Highlight Warning Signs That Home Care Is Needed

December 9, 2022December 9, 2020 by careforstage

Senior man eating a meal in the hospital

While of course we’d like to imagine enjoying a Norman Rockwell-worthy holiday celebration, with all of our family members spending quality time together and Grandma’s traditional holiday feast, the reality for some families instead consists of something unexpected: an E/R visit. As a matter of fact, studies show that emergency room visits for older adults jump about 10 – 20% over the holidays.

What to Do When Seniors Experience Dementia Confusion

September 21, 2022November 25, 2020 by careforstage

Grandson and grandfather walking together outside

Dementia confusion, a typical occurrence in Alzheimer’s, can lead to recent memories being forgotten about or distorted, while memories from the more distant past usually remain unimpaired. This can cause prior periods of time to be more realistic to an older adult with dementia than the present. A person’s alternate reality can be his or her way of making sense of the present through past experiences.

Anosognosia: How to Care for Seniors Unaware of Their Dementia

September 21, 2022November 12, 2020 by careforstage

CareFor offers senior care in San Marcos and nearby areas

If an aging loved one with dementia has voiced beliefs such as this, you may have thought to yourself that he or she was just in denial and reluctant to acknowledge such a concerning diagnosis. However, there may be another reason: anosognosia, or a person’s genuine unawareness that he/she is impaired by dementia.

Simplifying The Complexities of Long-Term Care Insurance

September 21, 2022October 14, 2020 by careforstage

Friendly girl explaining some documentation to parent

Long-term care insurance can provide great peace of mind, but utilizing those benefits can wind up being a complex undertaking for seniors and their family members. To help lead families through the process, CareFor offers the following informative overview.

A Senior’s Sense of Purpose: Feeling Useful Makes All the Difference

September 21, 2022September 22, 2020 by careforstage

Senior woman and her adult daughter cutting flowers

Look online for the phrase “activities for seniors” and you’ll likely find a number of memory stimulation puzzles, crafts, games, and of course, the requisite bingo. What you won’t find, unless you really search much longer, are the meaningful, philanthropic activities that provide meaning and purpose to our lives. Yet, if you ask older individuals … Read more

Maintaining Meaning and Purpose for Retired Seniors With the Help of Home Care

September 21, 2022September 9, 2020 by careforstage

Friendly caregiver meeting a new senior client

“Here, I can help you with that.”

“Don’t over-exert yourself!”

“I’ll handle that; you just sit and rest.”

The Benefits of Enrichment Activities for Seniors

September 21, 2022August 12, 2020 by careforstage

Senior woman and caregiver enjoying a puzzle together

Is your elderly loved one staying engaged with activities on a day-to-day basis, or is she stuck in a rut that mostly includes watching television, eating, and sleeping? Particularly during this time of quarantining and solitude, it can be challenging to maintain an active and involved way of life – but it is critically important for the health and wellness of older adults.

The Sandwich Generation Challenge: Managing Family and Aging Parents 

September 21, 2022July 14, 2020 by careforstage

CareFor offers in home care in Austin and nearby to help family caregivers

Are your elderly parents in need of help at home? Are you additionally attempting to manage caring for children and family at home? If so, you are part of the sandwich generation – a demographic of men and women, ordinarily in their thirties or forties, who have found themselves responsible for bringing up their own children while at the same time providing care for their older parents. The to-do lists of our sandwich generation are packed. Countless family caregivers not only work full-time, but they are additionally shuttling children to and from school and after-school activities and taking care of a household on top of their caregiving obligations. There are remedies to help caregivers, however, and the first step is becoming knowledgeable on how to make the situation more manageable.

Physical Fitness Tips For Seniors

December 21, 2023June 23, 2020 by careforstage

Friendly caregiver helping senior woman with exercises

Establishing a routine exercise habit is difficult at any age. Doing exercises is tiring. We would prefer not to commit the time. We’re feeling aches and pains from yesterday’s workout. We’ve all made excuses such as these for not staying physically fit; but frailty and advanced age make it even more challenging to follow an exercise routine and maintain physical fitness for seniors.

How Do People Get Mesothelioma? Get Help from Mesothelioma Caregivers

October 6, 2022June 11, 2020 by careforstage

Caregiver reading a book to a happy senior couple

To find experienced caregivers for seniors, contact CareFor, a top in-home care and case management company. Learn more about the customized services our mesothelioma caregivers provide by calling (512) 338-4533 or emailing us. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that develops after being exposed to a toxic substance called asbestos. Many people were unknowingly exposed to … Read more

Stay Active with the Best Exercises for Seniors

October 6, 2022June 10, 2020 by careforstage

Older adult couple doing stretches outside

The benefits of physical fitness for seniors do not decrease as we become older, and it’s extremely critical for older adults to retain as active a lifestyle as possible. Even individuals who are confined to a bed or who are wheelchair-bound have a variety of possibilities available to strengthen and improve resistance and flexibility.

Tips for Caring for Someone with Alzheimer’s During COVID-19

September 21, 2022May 26, 2020 by careforstage

Providing homecare assistance for your family member with dementia is very difficult under the best of conditions; mix in a worldwide pandemic, one that calls for social distancing, masks and gloves, and thorough sterilization of both ourselves and the environment, and the challenge of caring for someone with Alzheimer’s may seem insurmountable.

Top COVID-19 Resources and Family Caregivers for Seniors

September 21, 2022May 13, 2020 by careforstage

Understanding the best place to turn with regard to the most current and dependable information about COVID-19, particularly as it relates to the elderly and those who take care of them, is very important – and complicated. Due to so many resources and various viewpoints on this serious subject, we wanted to help make it easy to locate what you need by putting together the subsequent list of trusted resources and caregivers for seniors.

Before there were gloves…

September 21, 2022April 14, 2020 by careforstage

At this time of COVID-19, we find ourselves in a frantic search for PPE – personal protective equipment. While you take a breath, please let me share a brief history lesson. You may not believe the story, but it is the truth. It begins with my first day of nursing school, way back in 1975. … Read more

Freedom from COVID-19

September 21, 2022April 14, 2020 by careforstage

Are we more-free in the shelter-in-place world of COVID-19? Is this a crazy thought? Maybe not when you stop and think of the evolution of our programmed lives. We live in a world where children only go outside for team sports and practices. Where our calendar rules our day with an iron fist. Where there … Read more

3 Types of Assisted Living Devices to Investigate for Your Senior Loved Ones

September 21, 2022April 8, 2020 by careforstage

During the course of growing older, assisted living devices can make everyday life around the home simpler and less hazardous. There’s a wide selection of adaptive equipment solutions for home care on the market today that can improve senior safety and help older adults remain much more comfortable at home. At CareFor, the leaders in senior care in San Marcos and the surrounding areas, we want to provide you with some insider advice for buying and utilizing some of the most widely used types of home care equipment.

COVID-19 Silver Linings of Dementia

September 21, 2022March 23, 2020 by careforstage

COVID-19 Silver Linings of Dementia And the frustration of the “no visitor” policies in effect at facilities We are all grasping for “sweet spots” in the redesign of our lives during the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Hunkering down, isolating, stocking up as never before. What will be the outcome and how long will it last? The … Read more