Tag: elder care
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Protect Those Around You: Skip Visits If You’re Sick This Holiday Season (NWT)
Keep the Holidays Safe: Why skipping visits when you’re sick matters As communities across the Northwest Territories enter the holiday season, families look forward to gatherings and meaningful moments. But when illness is in the mix, these plans can quickly put vulnerable people at risk. Hospitals, long‑term care facilities, and home health settings routinely emphasize…
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Ireland’s Oldest Woman, Nell Hynes, Celebrates 109th Birthday
Celebrating a Century Plus: Nell Hynes Enters Her 109th Year In a quiet display of grace and resilience, Ireland’s oldest woman celebrated a landmark 109th birthday surrounded by family and the familiar comforts of home. Nell Hynes, a longtime resident of Coolderry in County Offaly, marked the occasion with Mass in her living room, a…
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Six daily routines to dramatically reduce anxiety for loved ones with dementia
Introduction: Why routines matter for dementia-related anxiety Dementia disrupts the ability to predict the day, which can heighten anxiety for both the person living with dementia and their caregivers. Experts say that predictable schedules, familiar personal care, and a proactive plan to identify agitation triggers can provide essential grounding. Establishing structured days helps reduce confusion,…
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Elderly Man Pepper-Sprayed in Sydney Aged Care Moment Sparks Debate Over Police Tactics
Unfolding Incident in a Sydney Aged Care Facility An alarming scene unfolded at a south-west Sydney aged care home when an 87-year-old resident was pepper-sprayed by police officers. The incident began after officers were called to respond to a report that the elderly man had been seen brandishing a “metal ornament.” Authorities say the officers,…
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The Disturbing Connection Between Loneliness and Dementia
Understanding the Link Between Loneliness and Dementia As people age, physical frailty often becomes more obvious: slower movement, longer recovery from falls, and weakened muscles. But another, more subtle form of weakness can emerge—social frailty. When connections to friends, family, and community fade, older adults may experience loneliness that quietly threatens cognitive health. Growing evidence…
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The Disturbing Link: How Loneliness Accelerates Dementia Risk
Understanding the Quiet Crisis: Loneliness in Aging As people age, the body often shows visible signs of frailty: slower movement, increased vulnerability to falls, and longer recovery times. But an equally insidious force can chip away at wellbeing from within: loneliness. When social connections fade, older adults may become socially frail, facing a cascade of…
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Reducing Sleep Drugs Improves Life Quality for Older Adults
Overview: Sleep Drug Use and Aging As people age, sleep problems are common, and many older adults turn to medications to help them rest. A recent study published online on October 24 in The Lancet Regional Health — Americas suggests that reducing future use of sleep medications could lead to healthier lives for seniors, with…
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Elder Care Decisions: Navigating Caring for an Aging Parent
When the moment arrives: recognizing the need for help Deciding how to care for an aging parent is rarely easy. For many adult children, the realization that a parent’s independence is slipping can bring a mix of guilt, fear, and practical urgency. The first step is to assess safety, health needs, and the ability to…
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Navigating Tough Choices: How Families Decide When to Seek Help for Aging Parents
Facing the Dreaded Moment: When to Seek Help for an Aging Parent For many adult children, the decision to step in when a parent’s health begins to decline is among the hardest they will face. Questions about safety, independence, and how to balance work, finances, and family duties collide, leaving families searching for the right…
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Assessing Wearable Tech for Senior Mental Health
Overview: The Role of Wearables in Senior Mental Health As the global population ages, the demand for effective, scalable solutions to monitor and support mental health in older adults grows. Wearable technology—from smartwatches to sensor-equipped bands—offers continuous, noninvasive insight into well-being, mood, and stress levels. By collecting data such as heart rate variability, sleep patterns,…