Free and Unbiased Information Blog Focused on Helping The Aging

This article is written by Dr. Shahnawaz Mushtaq, Clinical Psychologist, PhD (AMU) Coronavirus has been front page news for a while and has spread all over the world. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses. In general, human coronaviruses cause respiratory tract infections that range from the common cold to more serious illnesses like Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). COVID-19 is the name for a new virus that’s been spreading across the globe since late December 2019. Similar to seasonal flu, COVID-19 is passed between people through coughing, sneezing, or close contact like touching or shaking hands. It can also be transmitted by touching a surface with the virus on it and then touching the eyes, nose, or mouth without washing hands. Seniors are at higher risk of complications and death. Patients with COVID-19 have symptoms that are similar to other respiratory illnesses like colds or flu. Common symptoms include mild to severe symptoms of fever, cough, and shortness o...

Over the last few weeks, the COVID pandemic has impacted lives across the globe in unimaginable ways, and more than ever at this time like this, it is essential we pay attention to our elderly who are the most vulnerable segment of the population. With aging, immunity decreases making elderly more susceptible to the virus. In addition, most people above the age of 60 have some or the other medical condition like diabetes, hypertension or asthma; all of which are risk factors. In fact, the time of the 2011 census there were around 104 million people above the age of 60, which means that a staggering 9 percent of our population fall within this high risk group. But besides being most at risk, social distancing and the nationwide lockdown also have implications on mental health of the elderly, which simply should not be ignored. Here are some of the reasons why elderly are more likely to face mental health problems during lockdown and some steps that can be taken to reduce this likeli...

Elder care is one of the most important services your family can consider when your parents are isolated. That isolation could be a preventative measure to keep your parents healthy. It could be the result of an injury or surgical procedure. If they shouldn’t be or cannot go out, caregivers can help out. Here are four services caregivers offer that helps when older adults are self-distancing or stuck at home. Check-Ins to Make Sure They’re Okay Caregivers can stop by to make sure your parents are okay. It’s a helpful way to ensure your parents are still okay and not infected with a virus. If they are sick, the caregiver can alert medical professionals. The caregiver can also alert you so that you know what’s going on even if you live hours away and can’t get to them. Meal Preparation You might not want caregivers in your parents’ home cooking full meals. It is safe, however, and one of the best ways to make sure your parents are eating well. They’ll cook meals that meet your parent...

We might be  social distancing , but none of us are alone in feeling anxious  as   the  COVID-19  pandemic  forc es  a new normal  for how we live .   Seeing businesses and schools close and events cancelled have  impacted  our cultural psyche. L ockdowns  have instilled  a sense  of lost freedom s  and  reports  about  the spread of the virus across the globe  have ratcheted up feeling s  of uncertainty and anxiety.     I n  th is historically  abnormal time – of course it’s normal  to  be feeling extremely  anxious , and indeed it’s human nature.   S cientists  identify  anxiety  as an action the  human brain  takes  to monitor  our   environment for danger. According to  one   Yale Medicine  researcher,  “ During an outbreak like this we are flooded with frightening messages about the ...

Although caregiving can be extremely rewarding, there are bound to be some experiences you may not know how to handle. You may have begun experiencing behaviors from your loved one which you are not familiar with handling, such as agitation or confusion.  Tasks that were once simple, like getting dressed, may have become more difficult for your loved one. Caregiver support programs assist family caregivers who are caring for their elderly loved one (most likely a spouse or a parent) who has reached a point where they are no longer able to perform day-to-day activities on their own.  This can be from Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia.  Caregiver support programs can help you find the answers and support you need through these new changes. Here are some common problems and solutions discussed in caregiver support groups: “I feel that I no longer have a social outlet.”  You may have feelings of loneliness and isol...

Amidst the Coronavirus crisis, during a period of time when staying at home and socially distanced is essential, it’s important to keep seniors safe, reassured, active and cared for. One-to-one relationships are important right now. Our caregivers are trained in infection control and senior care, and work in a one-on-one relationship with seniors, reducing the risk of community-wide exposure to COVID-19. Seniors are safest at home, away from the risk of infection. Comfort Keepers focuses on care and supportive services centered around serving seniors in their home, where they are best protected. Our caregivers can pick up prescriptions, grocery shop or provide transportation to medical appointments. Our offices can help with online orders of supplies, meals and other necessities. Our caregivers can provide housekeeping and make sure that surfaces are disinfected to keep seniors clean and prepare meals to make sure they are nourished. Comfort Keepers is all about Elevating the Hu...

A change of season often leads to cough and cold among older adults. The low immunity level becomes a common reason behind this seasonal flu. If unattended or prolonged, it can lead to pneumonia among the elderly. Some of the preliminary signs of pneumonia in older people include a tired and rundown look with warm and clammy skin. You may also notice them shaking and complaining of feeling too cold. Let’s give an insight into what is pneumonia and its early signs. What is Pneumonia? It is an inflammation of the lungs caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi or other organisms. This inflammation causes an outpour of fluids in the infected parts of the lungs. It can affect either one or both the lungs. Early Signs of Pneumonia Some of the first signs of pneumonia that you need to watch out include Cough: If the cough does not clear up, then it can be a sign of pneumonia. In some cases, it can lead to a build-up of mucus in the lungs. Besides, this cough can be greenish, yellowish or e...