Senior Care Resources & News

Did you know that falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries for people over the age of 65? In fact, each year 1 in 4 adults 65 and older suffer a fall, and over 800,000 of those people are hospitalized, according to the CDC.

A fall can result in serious injuries. And even falls without a major injury can cause an older adult to feel fearful or depressed, making it difficult for them to lead an active lifestyle. If you have an aging parent, grandparent or neighbor in your life, helping them minimize their risk of a fall is an important way to help them stay safe and independent in their home for as long as possible.

The first step in fall prevention for older adults is understanding the main causes of falls and ways to prevent them. Falls don’t have to be an inevitable part of aging. Instead, seniors and their loved ones can start employing preventive measures now to reduce the likelihood of a serious injury.

Today, many seniors are recognizing the advantages of downsizing. After a lifetime of work, raising children and a number of other responsibilities, choosing a smaller dwelling space in retirement can reduce housing costs, eliminate many maintenance tasks and free up time to enjoy your passions and pursue new hobbies. 

Almost half of older adults — more than 26 million people 65 and older — have prediabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Living with prediabetes means your blood sugar levels are elevated but not enough to be considered within the type 2 diabetic range. Without serious lifestyle changes, prediabetes can turn into type 2 diabetes, a chronic health condition in which your body is unable to effectively absorb glucose for metabolism, resulting in high blood sugar. Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to an array of health complications including stroke, heart attack, kidney disease and a string of other life-threatening health issues.

Labor Day recognizes the contributions and achievements of American workers and is
traditionally observed on the first Monday in September. The long weekend is a great time to relax, enjoy time off work and celebrate the unofficial end of summer with loved ones. Whether you’re an older adult or a family member of an aging loved one, here are some fun ways to celebrate the Labor Day weekend together.

If you’ve ever had a migraine, then you know just how debilitating and disabling intense head pain can be. Migraines can strike at any age, seniors included. Understanding your migraines and their causes is key to alleviating your symptoms in your older years. 

Alzheimer’s Disease is a progressive, neurodegenerative disorder that occurs when nerve cells in the brain die. As the disease advances over several years, it slowly robs people of their memories, personalities and relationships. Over time, the worsening symptoms eventually affect a person’s ability to live independently and perform basic functions in everyday life. 

Estate planning can be tricky, and even more so for blended families joined together by a second marriage. In blended families, one or both parents have children from a previous relationship.  A careful, thought-out estate plan can help prevent future inheritance quarrels, particularly between stepparents and children. 

It’s not uncommon to hear the terms “dementia” and “Alzheimer’s” used synonymously. But the truth is, the two terms are not fully interchangeable. If someone you love is suffering from a form of decreased cognitive function or memory loss, it is important to get a correct diagnosis in order to provide the best long-term care.  

Independent living communities are senior housing options designed with active adults in mind. These communities can come in a variety of forms, usually private apartments or villas, and allow older adults to live independently within a residential community with like-minded neighbors.

Unlike assisted living communities that provide support for those who need help with activities of daily living, independent communities offer a range of amenities and services for active, older adults that make it easier and more enjoyable to live on their own.

With warmer months ahead, how can active seniors make the most of their time during the summer? For starters, think about the hobbies you enjoy and the activities you want to take advantage of while the days are long and sunny. Here are five safe and fun summer activities for active seniors to enjoy.