The link between oral health and overall health has become increasingly apparent. Making sure seniors take care of their teeth and gums is more important than ever. But caring for our mouths as we age can be challenging, both at home and in long-term care settings. According to the CDC, oral health problems are prevalent in low-income seniors, those without health insurance, and racial and ethnic minorities. Many seniors lose their dental benefits when they retire and don’t get dental coverage through Medicare. Seniors with disabilities and in nursing homes are also at higher risk for dental concerns. What Are Common Oral Health Issues In Seniors? The CDC has published some startling information about oral health in seniors: One in five adults 65 and older have untreated tooth decay. Sixty-eight percent of seniors have gum disease, often linked to chronic illnesses like … [Read more...]

America’s seniors are lonely. Study after study has shown us that social isolation among the elderly is reaching epidemic proportions. The CDC has identified loneliness and social isolation in older adults as “serious health risks,” and the COVID-19 pandemic has brought the problem to light in new ways. Many seniors lack social connections and are separated from family or friends (social isolation). Others may have social interactions but still experience loneliness if those connections aren’t meaningful or satisfying. A recent study from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) identified one-fourth of seniors 65 and older as socially isolated. Another study showed that 40 percent of seniors experience loneliness. But there are steps we can take--even during COVID-- to create and maintain connections. COVID and the Loneliness Epidemic While loneliness … [Read more...]

Seniors, their caregivers, and their loved ones around the country are breathing a collective sigh of relief as COVID-19 vaccines become available. The elderly-- and especially those in long-term care facilities-- are a priority group for vaccines. Healthcare providers, including nursing home staff, are also at the front of the line, making their jobs -  and their patients - safer. However, we all need to understand that while the vaccines are a lifesaver, we should stay vigilant about COVID prevention and continue working hard to keep our loved ones safe. Are COVID Vaccines Safe? The two vaccines currently available have been rigorously tested and are safe and effective. However, there’s still misinformation about vaccine safety. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines presently being administered use messenger RNA (mRNA) to fight the virus. mRNA vaccines are new technology but have been … [Read more...]

Illness, injury or simply getting older can make daily activities more challenging. Occupational therapy works to help seniors and individuals with disabilities get back to those everyday activities. We call it occupational therapy because it focuses on occupations-- the simple functions that make life fulfilling-- from eating and getting dressed to the things we do for fun. What Is Occupational Therapy? Occupations are the activities that make up daily life, from cooking and eating to hygiene to recreation. According to the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), occupational therapy is a “goal-directed activity to improve function.” Some of its most important roles are helping people recovering from injury or illness rebuild skills and supporting seniors experiencing physical and cognitive changes. According to AOTA, healthcare providers may recommend occupational therapy … [Read more...]

We all get a winter chill now and then. But it seems to affect our aging parents even more. Our bodies lose their ability to keep warm as we age, and staying warm seems to get that much harder. Sometimes a warm blanket, cozy socks, and a little extra TLC is all mom needs. But if we aren’t careful, that chill can turn into something more serious. It’s crucial to stay on guard against hypothermia and related health problems. Why Does The Cold Have A Bigger Impact On The Elderly? Our bodies change as we age. And some of those changes affect our ability to regulate our internal temperature. As we get older, we lose some of the mechanisms that keep us warm (including body fat in many cases). Here are some of the reasons the cold hits mom harder: Thermoregulation is our body’s ability to maintain its core temperature despite heat or cold outside. Our metabolism, which controls our … [Read more...]

We’re all wondering about gift-giving during this most unusual holiday season. More than ever, we want to give gifts that are thoughtful, meaningful, and truly useful. Often, the seniors in our lives have everything they need, but we want to show them that we care. Choosing a gift for elderly loved ones can be challenging. But it can really brighten their day, especially for seniors in long term care. Here are some heartwarming and practical suggestions: Keep it cozy. Warm and attractive socks and slippers are an excellent bet. Comfortable loungewear and cute fleece blankets are always a hit, offering warmth and a little taste of home. Make self-care simple. Body care items are another popular gift for seniors in long term care. It helps to have a special lotion and lip balm on hand when skin gets dry. It’s soothing--and bonus points if it smells terrific--a sweet, familiar … [Read more...]

For one family, it started when mom broke her hip. She showed signs of memory loss, but her husband and other family caregivers had things mostly under control. When a late-night fall sent her to the hospital and then rehab, it seemed to increase her confusion. She was weak, at risk for another fall, and more forgetful than ever. Her family was concerned about dad’s ability to continue caring for her and worried about the toll caregiver duties were taking on him. That’s when the family got a dialog rolling about long term care for mom. Of course, every situation and every family are different. But usually, warning bells begin when family members realize mom needs more supervision than they can offer. What Are Some of The Signs Mom Needs Long Term Care? Dementia and cognitive decline are among the main reasons families choose long term care. According to the Elder Care Alliance, some of … [Read more...]

Damage to your hip or knee joint can seriously slow you down, making the most basic tasks and movements challenging. When we’re in constant pain, it may be tempting to rely on medications that aren’t good for our health long-term. If you’re in this situation, it may be time to think about joint replacement surgery. But remember, as successful and frequent as it is, joint replacement is still major surgery. Successful recovery from joint replacement takes time and effort from both patients and providers. One thing almost every patient wants to know is: when is the right time? What Is Joint Replacement Surgery? Joint replacement surgery involves removing joints damaged by injury, wear, and tear, or arthritis and replacing them with artificial materials. The most commonly replaced joints are the hip and knee. These are weight-bearing joints and take the brunt of years of impact from … [Read more...]

Everyone benefits from exercise. From preschoolers to the elderly, staying active can have a positive impact on physical and mental health. Staying active is especially important for seniors, and has clear health benefits. But it can be easy to slip into a sedentary lifestyle as we get older. By age 75, one-third of men and half of women engage in no physical activity, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Many factors may limit dad’s motivation to exercise. But as adult children and caregivers, there are many ways we can help. How Much Activity Do Seniors Need? The general guideline for seniors (and other adults) from the US Department of Health and Human Service is 2 ½  to 5 hours of moderate exercise each week or 1 hour and 15 minutes to 2 ½ hours of vigorous activity each week. This is a piece of cake for active seniors. However, for elderly adults and seniors with … [Read more...]