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

Understanding and Managing Compassion Fatigue

September 21, 2022April 20, 2022 by careforstage

Caregivers dedicate so much of themselves to the ones they care for – both emotionally and physically. It’s common to become wiped out and to start to experience feelings like indifference, exhaustion, and a withdrawal from the person in your care. Referred to as compassion fatigue or secondary traumatic stress, it can be detrimental to your own wellbeing but can also influence your ability to be as nurturing, warm, and caring as you should be for the person you’re caring for.

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

Respectful Communication When Caring for a Loved One

September 21, 2022November 11, 2021 by careforstage

Did you ever walk into the office or a get-together with family or friends and had someone say to you, “You look so tired today!” While you may have felt pretty perky until that moment, suddenly you really DO feel tired and worn out. The words we say to one another, along with the way we interpret them, are powerful. So if you’re a caregiver for a senior you love, or even just talking with someone who has a chronic health concern, it’s important to carefully think about what to say and, even more importantly, what NOT to say to help the person feel their best. Respectful communication can help pave the way to a better relationship between you and your loved one.

Depression or Dementia: Know the Differences

September 21, 2022October 1, 2021 by careforstage

Spending time with Mom recently revealed several unsettling signs. Though she has always been an early riser, now it’s hard for her to wake up before lunchtime. Instead of going to great lengths to prepare an elaborate home-cooked meal, she would rather just heat up a can of soup and can barely finish a small bowlful. Furthermore, she has lost interest in spending time with her beloved friends from church. Could she be suffering from depression or dementia?

Thoughtful Responses to Common Difficult Behaviors Due to Alzheimer’s

September 21, 2022July 28, 2021 by careforstage

Alzheimer’s is a complex condition that often presents overwhelming issues for those providing care. As the disease continues into later stages, those with Alzheimer’s become increasingly dependent on communication through behavior rather than speech, and oftentimes these behaviors are of an inappropriate nature. For instance, someone with more advanced Alzheimer’s disease may present the following:

How Care Management Can Help Seniors Managing Chronic Health Needs

September 21, 2022March 10, 2021 by careforstage

caregiver discussing medication with senior man

Managing the numerous medical appointments, treatments, tests, prescriptions, lifestyle adjustments, and more is a way of life for the many older individuals with chronic health needs. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as many as 85% of seniors have at least one chronic health care need, and 60% are living with two or more. The difficulties can seem overwhelming. But there’s one essential element to help seniors managing chronic health needs: care management.

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

Tips for Home Safety and Enjoying Life at Home When Living with MS Symptoms

September 21, 2022March 24, 2020 by careforstage

As Jane Austen once said, “There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort.” And for anyone with a chronic condition, like multiple sclerosis (MS), remaining as comfortable as possible and as safe as possible, is essential.

Effectively Manage Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms for Improved Quality of Life

September 21, 2022March 12, 2020 by careforstage

Though there’s no cure for multiple sclerosis (MS), hundreds of thousands of people in the United States are diagnosed with it – around 400,000 people in fact, and of that, 86 percent of MS patients list fatigue as the most common symptom they’re experiencing. The cause of MS is unknown; it is not a communicable disease or known to be directly inherited, but factors that may come into play include:

Avoid Depression in Seniors With Chronic Illness: Tips for Finding the Joy

September 21, 2022January 21, 2020 by careforstage

Have you ever started your day and thought, “It’s definitely going to be one of those days!” Perhaps your alarm didn’t go off, the hot water heater opted to stop working, and the dog chewed up one of your favorite shoes overnight. Now consider if every day were “one of those days!” For someone living with a chronic disease, which includes much of the elderly population, the daily struggles and challenges are part of the routine.

A New Approach to Chronic Disease Management: Empower the Patient

September 21, 2022January 6, 2020 by careforstage

Senior female patient discusses concerns about her medication

On the subject of chronic disease management, seniors are the experts, hands down, with up to 3 out of 4 seniors affected by multiple conditions that are chronic, necessitate long-term medical treatment, and place limitations on activities. With the continuous barrage of bloodwork and other tests, physicians’ appointments and procedures and medications, controlling chronic diseases may take both a physical and emotional toll, which could quickly become overwhelming.