Our News Categories Ageism Feb 09, 2017 How Seniors Can Avoid Insurance Scams My 90-year-old grandmother sits at her kitchen table surrounded by four large stacks of mail. The first stack is for solicitations from hunger relief organizations. The second, church fundraising drives. The third is for educating third-world children. And the fourth is for ... Continue Reading Oct 20, 2015 Common Misconceptions About Aging & the Seniors Who Defy the Stereotypes At first glance, the plague of ageism might not seem like a serious problem, but it actually contributes to a number of false assumptions about seniors and the aging process that can end up causing serious harm. In fact, many of the notions we have about aging are prone to ... Continue Reading Jun 30, 2014 Protecting Seniors from Predators: Perspectives on Elder Abuse Data compiled by the U.S. Census Bureau projected that, by the year 2050, adults over the age of 65 will account for 20% of the nation’s population and that the fastest growing segment is adults 85 and older. As of 2010, there were 40.3 million adults aged 65+ living in the ... Continue Reading Aging in Place as a Family Jan 21, 2021 FMLA to Care for Elderly Parents? As our parents and loved ones grow older, they often need more care. This could mean more care than you can provide in the evenings and weekends when you are not working. If this is the case, but you aren’t ready to look into nursing home facilities or bringing outside help ... Continue Reading Jan 14, 2021 House Plans for Seniors to Remain in Their Homes Aging in place is defined by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as the ability to live in one’s own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of advancing age, income, or ability. But how can we assure we will be able to make this ... Continue Reading Jan 13, 2021 Noticing the Signs: Does Your Loved One Need Help at Home? 2020 was a year like no other. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to cause increased feelings of loneliness and isolation , especially in seniors. It’s important to know what to look out for and how you can help keep these feelings at bay. However, loneliness and isolation may ... Continue Reading Dec 10, 2020 Setting Boundaries With Difficult Elderly Parents Personal boundaries are guidelines or limits we set for ourselves to identify reasonable and permissible ways for others to behave toward us. Setting boundaries with difficult elderly parents can be challenging, especially if boundaries have not been respected in the past. ... Continue Reading ALS May 05, 2020 ALS Support: How to Care for Someone with ALS You likely remember hearing about ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) recently when the Ice Bucket Challenge went viral in 2014. With this challenge, participants filmed themselves dumping a bucket of ice water on their heads and nominated others to either do the same or ... Continue Reading May 08, 2018 ALS and Stephen Hawking: Timeline, Quick Facts, and More If you’ve been watching the news, then you might have heard that Stephen Hawking recently passed away. While he is known for his scientific discoveries and theories, he is also known for living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as ALS. As a celebration of his ... Continue Reading May 09, 2017 Is There a Connection Between ALS & Lyme Disease? The symptoms of amyotrophic laterals sclerosis (ALS) look similar to the symptoms of nearly four dozen other diseases, including Lyme disease. That’s partly why some people believe there may be a connection between Lyme disease and ALS. And while there is no proven ... Continue Reading May 07, 2015 Famous People with ALS: 3 Inspiring Stories Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, better known as ALS, has received a lot of media attention as of late. The Ice Bucket Challenge that swept the nation was designed to not only raise money for ALS research, but to raise awareness of the disease. The challenge itself echoed the ... Continue Reading Alzheimer's Disease Nov 03, 2020 Brain Exercises for Seniors and Older Adults There is no denying that our memory fades with age. It may be more difficult than it used to be to remember someone’s name, or you may find yourself struggling to come up with a word you know you use every day. While this is a natural part of aging, it is also extremely ... Continue Reading Jul 09, 2019 How To Know When Your Loved One Is Sundowning Most people understand that people with dementia have their good days and their bad days. What’s less known is that the symptoms of dementia can also be affected by the time of day. Researchers named this phenomenon sundown syndrome, and it’s fairly common among people with ... Continue Reading Mar 12, 2019 Late Stage Alzheimer’s Disease: What To Expect The late stages of Alzheimer’s disease can be difficult for the patient, family, and caregivers. It’s important to know the symptoms, understand the progression of the disease, and provide thorough care. As always, it is best to speak with a medical professional before ... Continue Reading Feb 27, 2019 Celebrating Black History Month: Solomon Carter Fuller and Alzheimer’s Disease [Infographic] At Griswold Home Care, we're happy to celebrate Black History Month. View full infographic here. Continue Reading Animals Sep 26, 2019 What is Pet Therapy for the Elderly? A furry friend to cuddle and play with can sometimes feel like the cure for any illness. A wagging tail greeting you when you walk through the door or the calming purrs of a contented cat on your lap can be just what you need after a long day. The loyalty and companionship ... Continue Reading Apr 30, 2019 4 Dog Breeds Who Make the Perfect Companion for Retirees Whilst dogs are generally adaptable to their lifestyle, if, as a senior, you are bringing a new pooch into your home, there are certain things to consider that will make life much easier. Firstly, consider if the dog’s energy levels will meet yours – if you love walking, ... Continue Reading May 17, 2016 How You Can Help Seniors with Pets According to The Humane Society of the United States , it’s estimated that 65% of American households own a pet. There are approximately 163.6 million dogs and cats in American homes. It’s safe to say that Americans love their pets! How Seniors Benefit from Animal Companions ... Continue Reading Apashia Jun 03, 2020 Aphasia Communication Tools Aphasia is an impairment of language, affecting the production or comprehension of speech and the ability to read and write. The National Aphasia Association explains that aphasia is always due to some sort of brain injury. The most common aphasia-causing brain injury is ... Continue Reading Jun 07, 2018 Transient Aphasia: Causes of Temporary Aphasia It’s an unnerving experience to lose your ability to communicate, but it’s not that uncommon. Aphasia can occur anytime the speech center of your brain is obstructed in some way. Permanent aphasia is the result of brain damage, while transient aphasia can be caused by any ... Continue Reading Jun 01, 2016 Trapped In Your Own Mind: What It’s Like to Live With Aphasia Few people can truly imagine how difficult it would be to live a life unable to communicate with their loved ones. Unfortunately, there are some people who do not have to imagine. For the countless individuals living with aphasia, struggling to communicate even the simplest ... Continue Reading Jun 03, 2014 Aphasia Home Care for Seniors Many of us take our basic motor skills for granted. The ability to speak, write, read, and comprehend information is taken as a given. The vast majority of people are born with this “universal” set of actions, so it is only natural to assume they will never go away. Think ... Continue Reading Arthritis May 12, 2020 Arthritis Care: Impact of Arthritis in Older Adults Arthritis is a challenging and uncomfortable disease that affects many seniors and older adults. The Arthritis Foundation provides a general definition of arthritis: Common arthritis joint symptoms include swelling, pain, stiffness, and decreased range of motion. Symptoms ... Continue Reading May 10, 2018 Can Arthritis Cause Headaches? If you suffer from arthritis, you know it can cause all sorts of issues, from sore joints to stiffness to making it difficult to walk or partake in your favorite activities. But can arthritis also give you headaches? What Is Arthritis? Arthritis is a term to describe about ... Continue Reading Jan 10, 2018 Natural Remedies For Joint Pain According to the Arthritis Foundation, more than 54 million Americans have some form of arthritis . Though this potentially debilitating health condition can affect a person of any age, those over the age of 60 typically feel its effects the most. The term itself is a bit ... Continue Reading Jan 06, 2018 Yoga for Seniors, the Elderly, and Older Adults: Stress Relief and More Yoga for Seniors, the Elderly, and Older Adults When the talk turns to yoga, many of us may automatically visualize younger adults in a variety of complicated poses. Even though the benefits of practicing this gentle form of exercise are well-documented , older adults may ... Continue Reading Arts Aug 10, 2020 Physical Benefits of Arts and Crafts for Elderly Adults Our world has changed drastically in the past 6 months. Senior centers are closed, gyms and recreation facilities are either not opening at all or have limited hours and restrictions. Movies, concerts, summer festivals, and outdoor sporting events have been canceled or ... Continue Reading Dec 11, 2019 Art Classes for Elderly Adults Communication is an integral part of being human. We communicate with our family, friends, co-workers, neighbors – basically every person we meet. It is an important part of self-expression. But as we age, communication becomes more difficult. Perhaps, as friends and ... Continue Reading Nov 20, 2018 The Benefits of Drumming Circles for Seniors Murali Doraiswamy, co-author of The Alzheimer’s Action Plan , told the Washington Post in a 2013 interview that music has been shown to benefit Alzheimer’s patients. “It does tend to brighten them up, to make them more alert, more socially active, and I suspect for the ... Continue Reading Oct 18, 2018 The Benefits of Music for Elderly Adults The relationship between music and the elderly can be beneficial both as a form of stress relief and to aid in cognitive abilities. In this piece, we will explore how music can assist seniors in living a quality life. Music and Alzheimers According to the American Music ... Continue Reading Assistive Devices Feb 11, 2020 Assistive Devices for Elderly Adults Daily activities become more difficult as we get older but luckily, there are hundreds of devices to help the elderly live rich, productive lives. These devices and gadgets can be used for everything from walking to ensuring home safety. In this post, we will review devices ... Continue Reading Sep 05, 2019 Outdoor Activities for Elderly in Wheelchairs Being in a wheelchair can have its share of struggles but it does not mean you have to sacrifice your enjoyment of outdoor activities and games. Spending time in the great outdoors is known to have many health benefits and luckily, there are many outlets to experience these ... Continue Reading May 22, 2019 Wheelchair Safety Training for Caregivers Dear Allegra: I am a caregiver for my father as he recovers from a stroke. While he is making progress, he still relies on a wheelchair when we go anywhere that requires much walking. My husband gets a little nervous that we don’t know much about proper wheelchair use. He ... Continue Reading Feb 22, 2018 Adaptive Devices for Elderly Adults: Home Remodeling Thanks to recent advances in technology, adaptive devices can assist elderly adults more than ever before. Devices like temporary stair railings, mobility assistive devices, wearable smart technology, door alarms, magnifying glasses, SOS buttons, and speaking computers all ... Continue Reading Atrial Fibrillation Sep 08, 2020 A Complete Guide to Atrial Fibrillation Atrial Fibrillation (also called AFib) is a life-threatening heart condition that can happen to anyone, but many people who have AFib aren’t getting the treatment they need. In fact, they may not even know they have it. In honor of National Atrial Fibrillation Awareness ... Continue Reading Sep 20, 2017 Atrial Fibrillation Life Expectancy: How Long Can You Live with Afib? Atrial fibrillation — more commonly known as Afib — is a rapid and irregular heartbeat. This condition can lead to heart failure, blood clots, and strokes. Currently, there are almost three million people in the United States living with Afib. The question is, just how long ... Continue Reading Sep 10, 2014 Seniors & Afib: What Caregivers Should Know For most people, a heartbeat happens without much thought. In fact, on average, your heart beats about 100,000 times per day. When everything is working properly, these beats go unnoticed; however, when an elderly person has an irregular heartbeat, he or she should certainly ... Continue Reading Sep 03, 2012 Atrial Fibrillation Symptoms: What You Don’t Know Might Kill You You may have heard the term “atrial fibrillation” from your doctor or in drug commercials on TV–after all, it’s a condition that affects 2.2 million Americans, according to the American Heart Association. But what exactly is atrial fibrillation, and should you be worried ... Continue Reading Autism Apr 12, 2018 Undiagnosed Autism in Adults April is Autism Awareness month, and as such, we want to cover a facet of autism that doesn’t get as much attention as others. While the majority of autism awareness is focused around children, autism doesn’t go away once a person turns 18. In fact, though diagnosis of ... Continue Reading Feb 16, 2017 Autism and the Elderly Many autistic seniors don’t know they live with autism, but that doesn’t stop it from affecting their lives. That’s because as a diagnosis, autism spectrum disorder is only a few decades old, which means very little is known about aging with autism. And while countless ... Continue Reading Bone Cancer Jan 13, 2018 Primary Bone Cancer In Elderly Adults Primary bone cancer is never an easy diagnosis to cope with, and bone cancer in elderly adults can be even more difficult. Seniors who are afflicted with cancer often have very different concerns and priorities than young adults or children. In many cases, their principal ... Continue Reading Brain & Head Injuries Jun 07, 2018 Transient Aphasia: Causes of Temporary Aphasia It’s an unnerving experience to lose your ability to communicate, but it’s not that uncommon. Aphasia can occur anytime the speech center of your brain is obstructed in some way. Permanent aphasia is the result of brain damage, while transient aphasia can be caused by any ... Continue Reading Jun 01, 2016 Trapped In Your Own Mind: What It’s Like to Live With Aphasia Few people can truly imagine how difficult it would be to live a life unable to communicate with their loved ones. Unfortunately, there are some people who do not have to imagine. For the countless individuals living with aphasia, struggling to communicate even the simplest ... Continue Reading May 04, 2016 What’s Normal During Stroke Recovery? A stroke is a serious medical condition which can occur with little warning. Since it impacts in a vital organ, the brain, it’s no surprise that immediate medical attention is needed to prevent loss of life. After the initial medical event has been stabilized, a new process ... Continue Reading Oct 07, 2015 How to Cope: Helping an Elderly Parent After a Traumatic Brain Injury Traumatic brain injury, or TBI, may not be your first concern when caring for the older loved one in your life. Instead, heart disease, diabetes, and dementia are most likely what come to mind. Unfortunately, as one ages, the chances of TBI increase, so it is important to ... Continue Reading Breast Cancer Oct 12, 2020 Early Stage Breast Cancer in Elderly Adults Breast cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the breast. It mainly affects women, though men can have breast cancer as well. Breast cancer is unfortunately a disease associated with aging. According to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation , “The median age of breast ... Continue Reading Oct 11, 2016 Breast Cancer in Men Over 50: What You Need to Know Regardless of your gender, every person is born with some breast tissue. While men develop less breast tissue than women, the fact men have any at all means they’re vulnerable to breast cancer. While nearly one in eight women will face breast cancer over the course of their ... Continue Reading Oct 08, 2014 Seniors & Stage 4 Breast Cancer: What to Expect Any diagnosis of breast cancer can be overwhelming, but a diagnosis of Stage 4 breast cancer can be heartbreaking. However, with advances in modern medical technology and treatments, many women and men, are living with chronic breast cancer for longer periods of time. What ... Continue Reading Oct 07, 2014 Early Signs of Breast Cancer in Seniors That May Surprise You Like most cancers, the sooner you discover and begin treatment of breast cancer the better. In fact, during stage 1, there is about a 100% survival rate of five years. This is why it is important for seniors to always be on the look out for warning signs and risk factors of ... Continue Reading Cancer Sep 01, 2020 Prostate Cancer Life Expectancy Prostate cancer and life expectancy can be scary to think about but there are treatments to prolong life, such as chemo, radiation, and hormone therapy. In this post, we will examine the information you will need for prostate cancer life expectancy. Life Expectancy After ... Continue Reading Oct 24, 2018 Caregivers of Cancer Patients: Words of Encouragement Dear Allegra, My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer last winter. It is a diagnosis that caught us off guard, as she lives a very healthy lifestyle and has no family history of the disease. I am working with my father and siblings to provide her with the care she needs ... Continue Reading May 15, 2018 Melanoma Facts: Answers to 10 Frequently Asked Questions May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and as the weather warms up, there’s no better time to learn about preventable skin cancer. If you’ve ever noticed a new or unusual mole on your body and felt concerned about it, your concern isn’t unwarranted. Skin cancer is quite common, ... Continue Reading Jan 13, 2018 Primary Bone Cancer In Elderly Adults Primary bone cancer is never an easy diagnosis to cope with, and bone cancer in elderly adults can be even more difficult. Seniors who are afflicted with cancer often have very different concerns and priorities than young adults or children. In many cases, their principal ... Continue Reading Caregiver Ethics Jan 27, 2015 Caregiver Ethics: How to Choose a Reputable In-Home Caregiver Thanks to the advances in modern medicine, the average 65-year-old American’s life expectancy has increased by approximately 20 years. However, as life expectancy continues to increase, so does the need for competent in-home care. Over 40 million senior citizens have a ... Continue Reading Caregiver Library May 17, 2019 Caregivers, Alcohol & Substance Abuse Caregiving is a physically, mentally, and emotionally demanding job. Whether you are a professional caregiver or a non-paid family caregiver, the toll it takes on your own well-being can be significant. In fact, caregivers often develop health problems of their own. One of ... Continue Reading Caregiver Resilience May 05, 2015 Caregiver Role Strain: What’s Your Risk? When you are responsible for the care of a senior loved one, the stresses and strains of everyday life are amplified. Juggling work and family with elder care increases the risk for caregiver role strain. This is especially true regardless of whether the family member you ... Continue Reading Dec 23, 2014 Building Family Caregiver Resilience: Social Strategies for Family Caregivers As we enter the holiday season, we’re reminded of how family and friends brighten our lives. Their love and presence amplifies our joy during happy times. Their support eases our burden when life is difficult. When I think of support I think of my sister, Wendy. Neither of ... Continue Reading Sep 30, 2014 Building Caregiver Resilience: Nutritional Strategies for Caregivers Roger is so worn-out by caring for his wife who has dementia that hot dogs or canned soup are about all he can put on the table for dinner. Sandy stops by to make dinner for her disabled parents after work each night, but usually skips dinner when she gets home. Lois is so ... Continue Reading Jul 29, 2014 Caregiver Resilience: What It Is and Why It Matters for Family Caregivers A young couple’s baby has Tay–Sachs disease that has no treatment or cure, and a life-expectancy of four years. A veteran’s wife struggles to cope with her wounded warrior’s traumatic brain injury and PTSD. A middle-aged woman tries to balance the needs of her aging parents ... Continue Reading Caregiver Resource Feb 12, 2020 Caregiver Apps in 2020 Being in charge of the care and well-being of a senior can be a daunting responsibility. That’s true whether you are a family caregiver or a professional one. Tasks can be numerous and varied, and there never seems to be enough hours in the day to get everything done. When ... Continue Reading Nov 06, 2019 Caregiver Competency: Checklist and FAQs Home care agencies, which offer the type of senior care that is considered more custodial than clinical, are vital for older adults and people with disabilities. The services they provide play an important role in keeping clients as independent as is safely possible. These ... Continue Reading Oct 23, 2019 Caregiver Do’s and Don’ts Caring for a senior loved one can be both rewarding and challenging. As new health issues pop up, a family caregiver may need to learn how to manage complex medical issues. That can be stressful and frightening. Time management is another daily struggle—there just doesn’t ... Continue Reading Oct 09, 2019 Guided Meditation for Caregivers: Health Benefits Stress is a part of everyday life for family caregivers. It can be tough to juggle the needs of a senior loved one with your own family’s needs and a career. Finding healthy ways to manage caregiver stress is essential. One avenue to explore is guided meditation — a simple, ... Continue Reading Caregiver Stress Jul 15, 2020 Caring for Elderly Parents: Stress and Emotional Effects We all love to plan things. We plan our weddings, the arrival of a new baby, graduation celebrations, birthday parties and simple things like the dinner menu or a lunch date with a friend. Most of us live by the clock and the calendar. But what about the unplanned ... Continue Reading Jan 12, 2018 Caregiver Burnout: Symptoms, Prevention, and Resources I have a story about caregiver burnout. Right after my dad suffered a debilitating stroke, he told my mother that he was concerned about how caring for him would impact her. She said, “For 51 years you’ve been a wonderful husband. Your care is prepaid with me.” Four years ... Continue Reading Dec 17, 2013 How to Care for a Cranky, Controlling, Manipulative Mom My mother used to stand in front of greeting card racks and weep when she read the messages inside of Mother’s Day cards. She cried because she felt sad and guilty for not loving her own mother. A lot of us buy into the “Hallmark” fantasy of happy families. We think if we ... Continue Reading Caregiver Wellness & Tips Feb 21, 2020 Celebrating National Caregivers Day At Griswold Home Care, our dedicated caregivers serve those who require help at home with tasks like housekeeping, meal preparation, transportation, and toileting. Established by Providers Association for Home Health & Hospice Agencies (PAHHA) in 2015, National Caregivers ... Continue Reading Dec 10, 2019 Protecting Elderly Parents From Siblings A sibling taking advantage of an elderly parent is not only a heartache but it can cause family disputes over elderly parents to erupt. These disputes cause bitterness or even long-term estrangement between sisters and brothers. Elder care sibling tensions are very common, ... Continue Reading Oct 09, 2019 Guided Meditation for Caregivers: Health Benefits Stress is a part of everyday life for family caregivers. It can be tough to juggle the needs of a senior loved one with your own family’s needs and a career. Finding healthy ways to manage caregiver stress is essential. One avenue to explore is guided meditation — a simple, ... Continue Reading Jun 20, 2019 The Sandwich Generation: Stress and Other Issues The sandwich generation is typically defined as adults who are “sandwiched” between taking care of their aging parents and their younger children. There are three variations of this term: The Traditional Sandwich Generation: Adults in their 40s or early 50s, who care for ... Continue Reading Cataracts Jun 04, 2020 Complications of Untreated Cataracts What is happening to my vision? Are you experiencing poor vision in low lighting? Do you have to turn on overhead lights when a lamp used to be sufficient? How about the glare you’ve been seeing as a car approaches you while driving at night, or the halo that appears around ... Continue Reading Jun 02, 2015 How Do I Know if I have Cataracts? For many, as they age, cataracts become a part of daily life. But because cataracts progress slowly, older adults may not even realize they have them or realize just how extensively the cataracts are compromising their vision. That said, there are some warning signs you ... Continue Reading Jan 08, 2014 Cataracts in Elderly Patients Cataracts in Elderly Patients As some have said, aging isn’t for the faint of heart. It is not always a pleasant experience as aches and pains and health issues seem to crop up faster than a storm on a hot summer’s day. Cataracts are part of the aging process reality for ... Continue Reading Jun 22, 2012 Caring for Seniors with Cataracts If you have elderly loved ones, chances are that at some point, they’ll experience cataracts. Cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss in the United States and affect about half of people age 75 and older, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians . A ... Continue Reading Cerebral Palsy Mar 03, 2015 How Spastic Cerebral Palsy Affects Aging Adults As modern medical technology has enabled us to live longer lives, for the first time in history, those affected by cerebral palsy are commonly starting to live well into their golden years. However, the fact this is only a recent development means that the challenges of ... Continue Reading Mar 22, 2013 Cerebral Palsy in Adults: Does Cerebral Palsy Get Worse with Age? Information about cerebral palsy usually focuses on children, and for good reason — cerebral palsy is a group of disorders that impair the brain and nervous system and usually surface within a child’s first two years. But cerebral palsy isn’t just a children’s condition. ... Continue Reading COPD Dec 03, 2020 COPD in Elderly Adults Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is amazingly common among the elderly. In fact, it’s estimated around 10% of Americans 75-and-up are suffering from it. And surprisingly, even though it’s so common, it can also be challenging to diagnose older adults with COPD. ... Continue Reading Jan 17, 2017 What Can I Expect With Emphysema? Emphysema is a progressive lung disease that is literally breathtaking. It’s the result of damage to the air sacs inside your lung tissue, which makes the gas exchange that’s supposed to occur in the lungs increasingly harder to do. There are over 3 million Americans who ... Continue Reading Nov 18, 2015 Lung Cancer, COPD, or Emphysema? How to Tell Because many diseases share the same symptoms, one can often disguise another, making their diagnosis and treatment more difficult. Unraveling the tangled knot of symptoms that are shared between emphysema , chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancer can ... Continue Reading Dementia Care Sep 03, 2020 Paranoia in Elderly Adults As our loved ones age and experience cognitive decline, they may occasionally show signs of paranoia. Paranoia in elderly adults is frightening both for the senior experiencing it and the caregiver trying to comfort them. Paranoia can be caused by a few different things ... Continue Reading Jul 29, 2020 Dementia and Anger: Is Anger a Sign of Dementia? Caring for someone with dementia can be a challenging experience for everyone concerned. When a loved one begins to show signs of diminishing cognitive functions, family members may not understand the behaviors that accompany a diagnosis of dementia. Dementia can’t be ... Continue Reading Aug 06, 2019 How to Encourage Social Interaction for a Person with Dementia It’s often said that humans are social creatures, especially when it comes to our health and sense of wellbeing. Studies have shown people with satisfying relationships are less likely to have health problems. They also tend to live longer, happier lives. Of course, dementia ... Continue Reading Jul 09, 2019 How To Know When Your Loved One Is Sundowning Most people understand that people with dementia have their good days and their bad days. What’s less known is that the symptoms of dementia can also be affected by the time of day. Researchers named this phenomenon sundown syndrome, and it’s fairly common among people with ... Continue Reading Dental Health Jun 13, 2019 Loss of Taste in Elderly Adults As we age, our taste buds start to diminish and we find that we cannot enjoy the same foods as much as we used to. In this post, we will explore why we experience this loss of taste buds with age, potential risk factors, and what you can do to solve this issue. Do Taste Buds ... Continue Reading Jul 24, 2018 Low-Cost Dentures for Seniors There’s no doubt that good oral health is essential, but many seniors require dentures to live life to the fullest. Unfortunately, if you’ve begun looking into the costs of dentures, you’ve likely noticed something: Finding affordable dentures for senior citizens can be ... Continue Reading Depression & Mental Health Feb 25, 2021 Delirium in Elderly Adults: Causes, Signs, Recovery Delirium can be scary for older adults and for those who care for them. Each individual experiences this altered state of mind differently, and there are a variety of tools to care for these symptoms. In this post, we will answer some of your questions about delirium and the ... Continue Reading Dec 22, 2020 Holiday Depression in the Elderly For most of us, the holidays are filled with joy, fun, and excitement. Unfortunately, this is not always the case for the seniors in our lives. Depression in the elderly around the holidays is more common than you might think. Holiday Depression in the Elderly A variety of ... Continue Reading Oct 20, 2020 How to Help the Elderly Cope with Grief Grief is a challenging emotion with which to cope at any age. The sense of loss and feelings of loneliness that often accompany grief can be overwhelming. While grief is often associated with death and loss of a loved one, it is an emotion that can follow any major life ... Continue Reading Sep 29, 2020 Elderly Suicide: Prevention, Risk Factors, & More A difficult and uncomfortable subject that nevertheless must occasionally be discussed is suicide among the elderly. Despite the fact that we don’t often think of older adults when we consider suicide, it is unfortunately an issue. According to the American Association for ... Continue Reading Diabetes Nov 05, 2020 Managing Diabetes in the Elderly Diabetes affects people of all age groups but the senior population experiences it the most. In this post, we will discuss the symptoms of diabetes in elderly adults, managing diabetes in the elderly, and other pieces of useful information about diabetes and the elderly. ... Continue Reading Nov 28, 2017 Can You Get Rid of Diabetes with Diet and Exercise? Ask any diabetic and they’ll tell you managing diabetes can feel like a full-time job. Keeping tabs on your blood sugar levels, taking medications at regular intervals, and watching what you eat is the bare minimum that a diabetic needs to do to avoid facing life-threatening ... Continue Reading Feb 15, 2017 What You Should Know About Type 1 Diabetes & Seniors What You Should Know About Type 1 Diabetes & Seniors Type 1 diabetes — also known as juvenile diabetes — is a chronic condition that, while typically diagnosed in young people is actually a lifelong condition that many seniors deal with on a daily basis. It can affect all ... Continue Reading Nov 22, 2016 Holiday Dishes for Seniors with Special Dietary Needs Holiday Dishes for Seniors with Special Dietary Needs The holidays are the perfect excuse for the family getting together and enjoying a good meal. However, these days, it’s not always as simple as carving a turkey and serving up traditional fare like stuffing or candied ... Continue Reading Elder Abuse & Scams Jan 19, 2021 Elder Abuse Statistics and Facts Abuse can happen to anyone, including senior citizens. If you witness any type of elder abuse, be sure to call 9-1-1 or contact Adult Protective Services . But what exactly is elder abuse? In this post, we will answer this question along with many others, including: What is ... Continue Reading Dec 17, 2020 Laws Against Taking Advantage of the Elderly Do you feel you have been challenged to the limit since the beginning of 2020? When we turn on our TV’s, we are overwhelmed with news about everything from politics to economics to continuous coverage of COVID-19 and all the controversies these news stories provoke. Yes, we ... Continue Reading Dec 08, 2020 How to Report Unsafe Living Conditions of Elderly Adults Senior care providers may want to provide a safe environment for your loved one on paper but unfortunately, there are individuals out there who will take advantage of them as well. Older adults with poor cognitive function, increased physical dependency, and economic and ... Continue Reading Aug 03, 2020 Financial Scams Targeting the Elderly Con artists will often target older adults with various schemes and frauds to milk them for money. These can include everything from preying on their vulnerability to posing as various “helpful” services. Let’s take a look at financial scams targeting the elderly and ways to ... Continue Reading Elderly Isolation Oct 15, 2020 Elderly Loneliness: Reducing Loneliness in the Elderly Loneliness isn’t merely a feeling; it’s also a physiological reaction in the body. Not unlike other forms of stress, it can have an impact not only on our sense of wellbeing but also on our physical health. In some circumstances, chronic loneliness can be about as dangerous ... Continue Reading Apr 16, 2020 Impact of Social Isolation on the Elderly Social isolation, or to use the new buzz words, “social distancing” is an unexpected situation we have found ourselves in for several weeks. The coronavirus snuck into our world with very little warning and no time for us to prepare for the effect it would have on our lives. ... Continue Reading Apr 16, 2020 What is the Difference Between Quarantine and Isolation? Lately, we have all been hearing several buzzwords related to staying healthy in the face of sickness. Words like social distancing, isolation, and quarantine are tossed around interchangeably on social media. But they are not quite the same and understanding the differences ... Continue Reading Apr 09, 2020 Aging and Social Isolation Care Plan During the COVID-19 pandemic, seniors everywhere are practicing social distancing and are likely feeling isolated. However, social isolation can be a problem for seniors even when the world is not experiencing these circumstances. Let’s discuss how to combat social isolation ... Continue Reading Emphysema Jan 17, 2017 What Can I Expect With Emphysema? Emphysema is a progressive lung disease that is literally breathtaking. It’s the result of damage to the air sacs inside your lung tissue, which makes the gas exchange that’s supposed to occur in the lungs increasingly harder to do. There are over 3 million Americans who ... Continue Reading Estate Planning Jul 08, 2020 Estate Planning for Seniors: Common Questions Many people assume that estate planning is only for those who are extremely wealthy. But just about any adult can benefit from smart estate planning, and failing to plan can have some very unfortunate consequences. Though estate planning for seniors is often an uncomfortable ... Continue Reading Exercise Feb 04, 2021 Zumba for Seniors: Health Benefits of Dance Exercising does not necessarily require heavy equipment or boring repetition. Believe it or not, you can actually have fun while breaking a sweat. If a senior is looking to improve their physical and mental health, Zumba can be the perfect answer. These low-impact workout ... Continue Reading Jan 07, 2021 Pickleball for Seniors: Health Benefits Fun, social, and easy to learn, pickleball is growing in popularity throughout the United States and Canada. With simple rules and inexpensive equipment, pickleball can be enjoyed by all ages and is a great physical activity for seniors. What is Pickleball? Pickleball is a ... Continue Reading Jun 18, 2020 Benefits of Tai Chi for Seniors We all know how important it is for seniors to stay active. It can be difficult to find an exercise program that accommodates a senior’s various needs. Seniors need exercise programs that are low impact and do not include much cardio. One exercise program that meets all ... Continue Reading Oct 08, 2019 How to Motivate the Elderly to Exercise Feeling motivated to exercise can be a challenge for any age group. It is easy to find any excuse to do something – anything – other than exercise. This is especially true for the elderly, who may find exercising intimidating, don’t know where to start, or don’t feel there ... Continue Reading Facility Based Care Apr 26, 2018 What Is the Difference Between Assisted Living and Nursing Home? Imagine the last time you visited your loved one. Did you see that they weren’t taking care of themselves or their condition was getting worse? For many families, this happens sooner than they’d think. Their loved one might not be getting the nutrition they need, or have ... Continue Reading Jan 17, 2018 55 Plus Communities: Are Senior Apartments Only For Seniors? You may have heard about age 55+ communities. Or maybe you heard someone reference 55 and older apartments. On the surface it seems pretty straight forward – an age-restricted community of people that are at least 55 years old – but what does age restricted community mean ... Continue Reading Apr 14, 2016 How Long-Term Care Facilities are Enhancing Quality of Life Living in a long term care environment can be challenging. Being away from familiar sights while coping with a serious illness is hard on anyone. In fact, it’s been estimated that nearly one in five residents of a nursing home suffer from depression, and one in three have ... Continue Reading Falls Nov 30, 2020 Why do Some Elderly Adults Die After a Fall? The risk of falls for elderly adults is a serious matter. Statistics show more than one out of four elderly adults fall each year. The consequences of falls in the elderly tend to be more severe and more concerned than those for a younger person. Sometimes a fall can even ... Continue Reading Jun 02, 2020 Head Protection for Elderly Falls Head injuries can take their toll on seniors due to their debilitating effects. Luckily, older adults can use protective headgear and take other steps for safety. Let’s take a look at ways you can ensure head protection for seniors. Consequences of Head Injuries When the ... Continue Reading Jan 07, 2020 Elderly Fall Prevention: Complete Action Plan Nearly 25,000 people over age 75 died from falls in 2016. Dealing with death after a fall in elderly people can be quite distressing but luckily there are ways you can prevent such drastic incidents. In this post, we will take a look at the factors behind falls in the ... Continue Reading Nov 12, 2019 Modifying Stairs for the Elderly Many seniors are only one fall away from a loss of independence. And for people who live in homes with stairs, there’s an added risk. But there are actually many ways to make stairs easier and safer for the elderly. Some simple safety assessments and modifications can help ... Continue Reading Family Caregivers Feb 21, 2020 Celebrating National Caregivers Day At Griswold Home Care, our dedicated caregivers serve those who require help at home with tasks like housekeeping, meal preparation, transportation, and toileting. Established by Providers Association for Home Health & Hospice Agencies (PAHHA) in 2015, National Caregivers ... Continue Reading Dec 10, 2019 Protecting Elderly Parents From Siblings A sibling taking advantage of an elderly parent is not only a heartache but it can cause family disputes over elderly parents to erupt. These disputes cause bitterness or even long-term estrangement between sisters and brothers. Elder care sibling tensions are very common, ... Continue Reading Aug 15, 2019 How to Care for an Elderly Parent in your Home As your parent ages, it’s time to start thinking about whether they require more frequent supervision. If they do, you have one question to answer: Can my family and I welcome my parent into my home for round-the-clock care? In this post, we will review how to plan for aging ... Continue Reading Jun 20, 2019 The Sandwich Generation: Stress and Other Issues The sandwich generation is typically defined as adults who are “sandwiched” between taking care of their aging parents and their younger children. There are three variations of this term: The Traditional Sandwich Generation: Adults in their 40s or early 50s, who care for ... Continue Reading Gardening May 19, 2020 Sensory Gardens for the Elderly Springtime has arrived! The sweet smell of freshly mown grass is in the air. The splash of gentle rain on leaves and windowpanes gives us a sense of hope and tranquility. Flowers will soon be in full bloom, and trees that stood cold and bare all winter have come alive with ... Continue Reading Jul 12, 2018 Summer Gardening Projects for Seniors: Smart Irrigation Gardening is a unique hobby because it cultivates a strong bond and appreciation for Mother Nature while also being highly beneficial for seniors in a number of ways. Whether gardening entails a small collection of (organic) herbs in the windowsill or a small plot of land ... Continue Reading Oct 05, 2017 10 Tips for Safe & Affordable Gardening for Seniors As we move into our twilight years, it is natural to want to be able to continue to take part in the activities that we enjoy; and for many seniors, gardening is a lifelong love. As much as many people love gardening, being able to continue gardening can be a problem.There ... Continue Reading Aug 15, 2017 Gardening & Gardening Equipment Adjustments for Seniors Gardening has many therapeutic and health benefits for seniors, particularly when it comes to growing your own fresh fruits and vegetables. Garden tools, equipment, and beds – these all can be modified to create the garden which is productive, accessible, and interesting. ... Continue Reading Glaucoma Jan 16, 2018 What Does Glaucoma Feel Like? Before you notice anything is wrong, glaucoma can steal nearly half of your vision. Most of the time, there are no symptoms to alert you as permanent losses slowly accumulate. It’s estimated that over 3 million Americans have glaucoma, and only about half of them know it. ... Continue Reading Jan 08, 2015 Early Signs of Glaucoma That May Surprise You One of the most difficult and worrisome issues for an older adult can be losing one’s eye sight. With the loss of sight, especially at an older age, comes less independence, as well as a sense of isolation. That’s why it is important to understand the early warning signs of ... Continue Reading Jan 21, 2014 Glaucoma Treatment & Surgery in Elderly Patients Glaucoma Treatment & Surgery in Elderly Patients Millions of elderly people suffer from glaucoma every year. Many of them are not diagnosed as early as they should have been. This degenerative health condition, which causes impaired vision and can lead to blindness, cannot ... Continue Reading Grief Oct 20, 2020 How to Help the Elderly Cope with Grief Grief is a challenging emotion with which to cope at any age. The sense of loss and feelings of loneliness that often accompany grief can be overwhelming. While grief is often associated with death and loss of a loved one, it is an emotion that can follow any major life ... Continue Reading Mar 13, 2019 Professional Caregiver Grief: Dealing Effectively With Sorrow Dear Allegra: As a professional caregiver, I am fortunate to develop close relationships with many of my patients and their families. Depending on the situation, I often care for many of my patients for several years. I get to know them and their families very well. ... Continue Reading Aug 28, 2018 Dreaming of the Dead: The Elderly Talking to Dead Relatives During Sleep The elderly talking to dead relatives in dreams is not an unusual occurrence. Dreams of dead loved ones can have psychological or spiritual connotations, depending on the situation. Does Dreaming of the Dead Mean the Dreamer’s Time Has Come? Hospice nurses Maggie Callanan ... Continue Reading Feb 27, 2018 How to Write a Eulogy: Tips for Speaking at a Funeral No one finds it easy to write a eulogy or speak at a funeral. Carrying the grief of loss and a natural fear of public speaking, it can be difficult to even decide what to say at a funeral. But figuring out how to give a eulogy can be made manageable. With a little ... Continue Reading Health & Wellness Feb 02, 2021 Dehydration in Elderly Adults: Signs, Prevention, Recovery Dehydration in elderly adults is a common disorder that occurs when the body loses more fluid than it takes in. The causes of dehydration in the elderly vary from person to person. Dehydration in the elderly can be caused by medications, insufficient kidney function or ... Continue Reading Jan 07, 2021 Pickleball for Seniors: Health Benefits Fun, social, and easy to learn, pickleball is growing in popularity throughout the United States and Canada. With simple rules and inexpensive equipment, pickleball can be enjoyed by all ages and is a great physical activity for seniors. What is Pickleball? Pickleball is a ... Continue Reading Nov 10, 2020 Fever in the Elderly: When to Worry For healthy young adults, an occasional fever is usually nothing to worry about. But fever in elderly adults can indicate a wide range of problems, can be the first sign of a serious health problem, or otherwise be far more serious for seniors. So what’s considered a high ... Continue Reading Jul 09, 2020 Client and Caregiver Safety Remains Our Top Priority As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, the health and wellness of our clients and caregivers remains our top priority. Griswold Home Care offices are continuing to take every precaution to keep clients, caregivers, and staff safe and healthy. In a previous blog post , we ... Continue Reading Healthcare Law & Advocacy Jan 21, 2021 FMLA to Care for Elderly Parents? As our parents and loved ones grow older, they often need more care. This could mean more care than you can provide in the evenings and weekends when you are not working. If this is the case, but you aren’t ready to look into nursing home facilities or bringing outside help ... Continue Reading Dec 17, 2020 Laws Against Taking Advantage of the Elderly Do you feel you have been challenged to the limit since the beginning of 2020? When we turn on our TV’s, we are overwhelmed with news about everything from politics to economics to continuous coverage of COVID-19 and all the controversies these news stories provoke. Yes, we ... Continue Reading Nov 12, 2020 What is a Silver Alert? We hope you never have to file a missing person report, but if you are in a situation that warrants one, it is important to understand the type of report you need to file, and the information you must provide to create active silver alerts. A missing person report is ... Continue Reading Jun 17, 2020 Senior Safe Act: What You Need to Know It’s estimated that older adults are the victims of between $3-35 billion dollars in fraud each year. It’s hard to know for certain because of how much goes unreported. But as we get older, we become more trusting. We’re also prone to lapses in memory and other cognitive ... Continue Reading Hearing Loss Jan 21, 2020 Hearing Loss in Elderly Adults: Home Care Guide Growing older is not easy. After sixty years or so on Earth, our bodies can begin to struggle. One challenge common to the elderly is hearing loss. Hearing loss can be scary since we take in so much of the world with our ears. Having a conversation and listening to another ... Continue Reading Heart Disease Feb 01, 2018 Healthy and Happy Heart Diets: The Heart Diet That’s Right for You Healthy and Happy Heart Diet Heart disease is the leading cause of death in America, accounting for 610,000 deaths annually. The best way to protect yourself is with a heart-healthy diet. The leading risk factors for heart disease include high blood pressure, high ... Continue Reading Feb 19, 2015 Silent but Deadly: What is a Silent Heart Attack? When you think of a heart attack, you may think of chest pains, shortness of breath, and pain in the left arm. What if your loved one didn’t have any of these symptoms? If so, they may have experienced what is known as a silent heart attack. What is a Silent Heart Attack In ... Continue Reading Feb 17, 2015 Congestive Heart Failure Life Expectancy: 4 Facts This post was published on February 17, 2015 and updated on January 8, 2019. Nearly everyone knows something about heart disease. From high blood pressure & cholesterol to bypass surgery to heart attacks, heart disease is top-of-mind for most older adults and their loved ... Continue Reading Feb 19, 2014 Causes of High Blood Pressure in Elderly Adults As we age, all sorts of questions about our health become more important: Should I be concerned about high blood pressure? How do I know if I have it? Am I at risk for a stroke? What about a heart attack? And what the heck is high blood pressure, anyway? Lifestyle habits and ... Continue Reading Heart Health Feb 11, 2021 What are the New Blood Pressure Guidelines for Seniors? Blood pressure guidelines aren’t something that change at regular intervals; they’re only adjusted when sufficient evidence suggests change is warranted. The latest adjustment occurred in 2017 when leading institutions like the American Heart Association altered their ... Continue Reading Mar 29, 2018 5 Tips to Keep Your Heart Healthy We have updated our 2013 infographic with tips on keeping a healthy heart. Download Free Heart Health Guide Continue Reading Feb 01, 2018 Healthy and Happy Heart Diets: The Heart Diet That’s Right for You Healthy and Happy Heart Diet Heart disease is the leading cause of death in America, accounting for 610,000 deaths annually. The best way to protect yourself is with a heart-healthy diet. The leading risk factors for heart disease include high blood pressure, high ... Continue Reading Sep 20, 2017 Atrial Fibrillation Life Expectancy: How Long Can You Live with Afib? Atrial fibrillation — more commonly known as Afib — is a rapid and irregular heartbeat. This condition can lead to heart failure, blood clots, and strokes. Currently, there are almost three million people in the United States living with Afib. The question is, just how long ... Continue Reading Holiday Dec 22, 2020 Holiday Depression in the Elderly For most of us, the holidays are filled with joy, fun, and excitement. Unfortunately, this is not always the case for the seniors in our lives. Depression in the elderly around the holidays is more common than you might think. Holiday Depression in the Elderly A variety of ... Continue Reading Dec 17, 2019 Creating a Memory Book for Elderly Adults Did you ever make scrapbooks as a kid? They can be a fun way to look back and relive precious memories over and over again. Memory books for adults — especially those with dementia — can have that same effect. Creating a memory book for elderly individuals can be beneficial ... Continue Reading Dec 03, 2019 Happy Holidays: Remember to Send Cards to Elderly Friends and Family A 2012 study from the National Institute on Aging found a link between loneliness and serious health problems, including death. Of the 1,604 adults over age 60 surveyed, 43% percent experienced loneliness. Sending a card to an elderly person can help them ease these lonely ... Continue Reading Dec 03, 2019 Gifts for Seniors: What’s New This Holiday Season? It’s rare to get through a holiday season without having to find the perfect gift for at least a few loved ones. It can be a daunting task to find something personal, relevant, and budget friendly for each person on your list, especially when it comes to family. Gifts for ... Continue Reading Home Care May 26, 2020 Blood Donation Questions: Common FAQ’s People have a lot of questions when it comes to donating blood. Understandably, people want to know about their own safety. And after learning about their opportunity to save lives, people want to know even more. Below we’ll look at some of the most common blood donation ... Continue Reading Dec 19, 2019 The Importance of Independence in Elderly Home Care We have all heard an elderly friend or relative say, “don’t get old.” They may have forgotten a word, or felt an ache in the knees when they tried to stand. We usually respond with a smile and a laugh, or the words, “I don’t have much choice!” But as young healthy adults we ... Continue Reading Home Safety Jan 14, 2021 House Plans for Seniors to Remain in Their Homes Aging in place is defined by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as the ability to live in one’s own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of advancing age, income, or ability. But how can we assure we will be able to make this ... Continue Reading Dec 08, 2020 How to Report Unsafe Living Conditions of Elderly Adults Senior care providers may want to provide a safe environment for your loved one on paper but unfortunately, there are individuals out there who will take advantage of them as well. Older adults with poor cognitive function, increased physical dependency, and economic and ... Continue Reading Aug 12, 2020 Home Repair Assistance for Seniors These days senior citizens are living longer and as a result, are living in their homes longer. Continuing to live in their own home is a sign of independence for many elderly people, and we know how important it is for our elderly family and loved ones to maintain that ... Continue Reading Jul 27, 2020 Home Safety Checklist for Seniors We know that our elderly family members and loved ones value their independence. A main factor of that independence is the ability to live in their homes as long as possible. We also know that as caregivers, we worry about our elderly family members and loved ones, ... Continue Reading Hospice & End of Life Feb 23, 2021 Signs of the Elderly Giving Up on Life Watching an elderly loved one let go of life is one of the most difficult things we ever have to do. Whether it is a beloved parent, grandparent, relative, or friend, no one is ready to face the emotions that emerge when a loved one is dying. What can we do to help our loved ... Continue Reading Aug 08, 2019 What is the Difference Between Palliative Care and Hospice Care? When you or a loved one receive a diagnosis of a serious or life-threatening illness, you may find yourself lost in the maze of information you receive from your medical team. The terms Palliative Care and Hospice Care will probably be mentioned as you look at treatment ... Continue Reading May 21, 2019 Terminal Lucidity: Dementia Clarity Before Death Experiencing a burst of energy before death sounds like it would only happen in dramatic films or other forms of fiction. But it’s actually fairly common, and has been observed in modern medical literature for at least two and a half centuries. You can even find accounts ... Continue Reading Sep 25, 2018 Alternatives to Hospice: Know Your Options When you’re faced with end of life care, emotions can run high, and it can be difficult to make decisions. That’s why it’s a good idea to understand your options, including alternatives to hospice and end of life palliative care at home, before you need them. Many times, ... Continue Reading Injuries Jun 03, 2014 Aphasia Home Care for Seniors Many of us take our basic motor skills for granted. The ability to speak, write, read, and comprehend information is taken as a given. The vast majority of people are born with this “universal” set of actions, so it is only natural to assume they will never go away. Think ... Continue Reading Feb 11, 2014 Stroke in Elderly Adults: Signs, Symptoms, Prognosis This is the first in the series and presents an overview of several types of strokes, their effects and prognosis for stroke victims. Later entries will delve into such topics as stroke survival, recovery, rehabilitation , general tips for caring for older stroke patients , ... Continue Reading Feb 07, 2014 Elderly Stroke: Rehabilitation, Recovery, Survival Caring for a loved one who has had a stroke can be very taxing physically, mentally and emotionally. According to the National Stroke Association, strokes are the fourth-highest cause of death . Those fortunate enough to survive the attack have to undergo extensive ... Continue Reading Feb 03, 2014 How to Care for a Stroke Patient at Home My dad was as healthy and robust as any 75-year-old man on the planet until the morning he suffered a debilitating stroke. The following day he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. My mother had two choices. She could sell homesteaded farm ground to pay for his care in a ... Continue Reading Injury Prevention Sep 24, 2020 Seizures in Seniors: What to Do if an Elderly Person has a Seizure The symptoms of seizures can easily be mistaken for other a variety of conditions, from dementia to stroke. Confusion like that can make responding appropriately to a seizure more challenging. This is why it can be so important to learn what to do if an elderly person has a ... Continue Reading Jun 02, 2020 Head Protection for Elderly Falls Head injuries can take their toll on seniors due to their debilitating effects. Luckily, older adults can use protective headgear and take other steps for safety. Let’s take a look at ways you can ensure head protection for seniors. Consequences of Head Injuries When the ... Continue Reading Jan 07, 2020 Elderly Fall Prevention: Complete Action Plan Nearly 25,000 people over age 75 died from falls in 2016. Dealing with death after a fall in elderly people can be quite distressing but luckily there are ways you can prevent such drastic incidents. In this post, we will take a look at the factors behind falls in the ... Continue Reading Nov 12, 2019 Modifying Stairs for the Elderly Many seniors are only one fall away from a loss of independence. And for people who live in homes with stairs, there’s an added risk. But there are actually many ways to make stairs easier and safer for the elderly. Some simple safety assessments and modifications can help ... Continue Reading Kidneys Jul 13, 2020 Caring for Someone on Dialysis: FAQ’s Dialysis sounds like a scary subject. One reason dialysis might sound intimidating is that you may not know anything about it, or have preconceived ideas about it being uncomfortable or difficult. But knowledge is power, and learning more about dialysis can help make the ... Continue Reading Dec 25, 2018 Kidney Disease Life Expectancy: The 5 Stages Kidney disease leads to a reduction in life expectancy. How much of a reduction? It depends on several factors, especially a person’s age, sex, and the stage of the disease. Questions like these were first answered less than a decade ago. But thanks to an enormous amount of ... Continue Reading Dec 20, 2018 Poor Kidney Function in Elderly: Causes and Treatment Options As people age, it seems like they must start worrying about all sorts of health issues that would never have occurred to them when they were younger. That’s true when it comes to your kidney function as well. Before you start having issues, it’s a good idea to understand ... Continue Reading Mar 20, 2018 How Long Does It Take to Pass a Kidney Stone? When you’re passing a kidney stone, the only thing you want to know is how long the pain will last. Although it’s impossible to precisely predict how long it will take, urologists have excellent estimates for the average time to pass a kidney stone. Learning those timelines ... Continue Reading Life Expectancy Sep 01, 2020 Prostate Cancer Life Expectancy Prostate cancer and life expectancy can be scary to think about but there are treatments to prolong life, such as chemo, radiation, and hormone therapy. In this post, we will examine the information you will need for prostate cancer life expectancy. Life Expectancy After ... Continue Reading Dec 25, 2018 Kidney Disease Life Expectancy: The 5 Stages Kidney disease leads to a reduction in life expectancy. How much of a reduction? It depends on several factors, especially a person’s age, sex, and the stage of the disease. Questions like these were first answered less than a decade ago. But thanks to an enormous amount of ... Continue Reading Nov 27, 2018 Elderly Broken Hip: Life Expectancy and Prognosis Perhaps one of the biggest concerns of senior adults as they age is the possibility of a broken hip. Along with the pain associated with such an occurrence comes the fear of disability and even death. Unfortunately, broken hips and the elderly tend to go together, so it’s a ... Continue Reading Oct 09, 2018 Lewy Body Dementia Life Expectancy Lewy body dementia is a debilitating and progressive disease. From onset to the end of life, there are a number of symptoms that typically get worse as time goes on. With that in mind, it is important to understand the stages, symptoms, and life expectancy of this serious ... Continue Reading Liver Disease Aug 07, 2018 Living with Cirrhosis of the Liver: Life Expectancy, Risk Factors, Diet Cirrhosis describes a liver that’s scarred, shrunken, or hardened. After years of damage, cirrhosis marks a point at which the liver can no longer repair itself. It gradually fails, at first leading to unpleasant complications and then death. Depending on when cirrhosis of ... Continue Reading Jun 05, 2018 How to Clean a Fatty Liver It sounds like a bad recipe for dinner, but having a fatty liver is no laughing matter. If you have been diagnosed with this condition, you’ll want to do everything you can to reverse it. The following remedies for fatty liver will help you do just that. What Is a Fatty ... Continue Reading May 22, 2018 Fatty Liver Diet: Menu, Plan, Recipes Eating the wrong foods can damage your liver as much as alcohol. When your body stores too much liver fat, the result is inflammation, scarring, and permanent damage. Even if things don’t go as far as liver failure, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) places you at much ... Continue Reading Lung Cancer Nov 18, 2015 Lung Cancer, COPD, or Emphysema? How to Tell Because many diseases share the same symptoms, one can often disguise another, making their diagnosis and treatment more difficult. Unraveling the tangled knot of symptoms that are shared between emphysema , chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancer can ... Continue Reading Macular Degeneration Feb 08, 2018 Is Macular Degeneration Hereditary? Macular degeneration affects about 200,000 new people each year, and while there are treatments that can help, it can’t be cured. If you have a family member who suffers from this condition, you may be wondering if it is hereditary and if you’re at risk for developing the ... Continue Reading Jan 28, 2014 Most Common Vision Problems in the Elderly Most Common Vision Problems in the Elderly After nearly 40 years at the iron works, my father retired. He and Mom looked forward to relaxing, spending time with family and traveling. Within weeks of retirement, Dad was diagnosed with macular degeneration and was told he ... Continue Reading Jan 09, 2014 Macular Degeneration in the Elderly Macular Degeneration in the Elderly There is nothing quite as frightening as the prospect of losing one’s vision. For many, with the loss of vision comes the loss of independence and the ability to easily interact with others, especially for older adults. As a person ages, ... Continue Reading Medicare Sep 09, 2019 Medicare Forms, Claims, and Appeals Future and current beneficiaries with Medicare health insurance should be familiar with the many Medicare forms. Enrolling in Part A and understanding how to make appeals and file claims is something all beneficiaries should know. Once you find the form, filling it out is ... Continue Reading Jul 02, 2019 A Complete Guide to Medicare in 2020 Everyone knows change is constant with Medicare. It comes as no surprise that the year 2020 is bringing new policy changes that impact all current and future Medicare beneficiaries. It’s important to keep members in the loop when Medicare makes changes. The new year and new ... Continue Reading Feb 26, 2015 Hearing Aids & Medicare: What Seniors Should Know Does medicare cover hearing aids? It is a question older adults and family caregivers frequently ask. We know the risk for hearing problems increases with aging. As many as one in three people over the age of 65 and half of those over the age of 75 live with some type of ... Continue Reading Medication Dec 06, 2018 Medication Reminders for the Elderly Making sure your loved one takes their medication is never easy. However, there are medication reminder services for seniors to simplify the process. Using the latest technology, hundreds of devices, mobile apps, and alarm clocks can provide caregivers with the assistance ... Continue Reading Sep 27, 2016 Seniors and Prescription Drug Addiction When you think of drug addiction, the first thing that usually comes to mind is usually illegal drugs. Further assumptions that spring to mind is that addiction is a young person’s disease. The truth is, there is a growing epidemic of seniors who are addicted to prescription ... Continue Reading Memory Mar 04, 2021 Benefits of Reminiscing for Seniors “God gave us memories so that we might have roses in December.” J.M. Barrie We all have them. The memories we create through the years become priceless treasures when we reach the winter of our lives. Our view of life is shaped by things that happened to us in the past. ... Continue Reading Feb 16, 2021 Short Term Memory Loss in Elderly Adults While there are many wonderful things about aging - you get discounts at the grocery store, you don’t have to wake up to an alarm clock, no one judges you when you can’t work a printer - there are some downsides. Short term memory loss is one of those downsides. Short term ... Continue Reading Jun 23, 2020 Memory Games for Seniors We all want to keep our brains sharp and functioning at optimal levels as we age. Did you know that age-related memory loss is not an inevitable part of growing older? The human brain can generate new brain cells at any age. So why, you might ask, are you forgetting your new ... Continue Reading Jun 16, 2020 Trivia for Seniors: Different Ways to Play There’s something genuinely satisfying about knowing the answer to an obscure trivia question, isn’t there? Or doesn’t matter how useless or, well, trivial the information is. It’s just great to know a random fact, especially when the people around you – whether it be a ... Continue Reading Men's Health Sep 15, 2020 Senior Men’s Health Issues It’s fairly common knowledge that seniors are at greater risk for a variety of health conditions, but it’s not as commonly known that the symptoms of those conditions can be distinct among elderly men. They can also be more difficult to identify due to age, but learning a ... Continue Reading Apr 20, 2017 Tips for Dealing with an Enlarged Prostate Nearly all men will develop an enlarged prostate, but about half of them won’t feel any symptoms . For the half who do, many will find that those symptoms significantly impair their quality of life. Although an enlarged prostate isn’t life-threatening, being forced to take ... Continue Reading Motor Vehicle Safety Dec 01, 2020 The Average Age Seniors Stop Driving As you get older, driving can become more and more dangerous. Seniors giving up driving or limiting driving may be the safest options to move forward. But how would you know the right time to do so? We’ll take a look at some general statistics about seniors driving and ... Continue Reading Sep 18, 2018 Responsibility for Elderly Parent Driving: Car Accidents & Liability “I’m constantly worrying about my elderly parent driving. What if they get into an accident? But also, would it be MY fault if they got into an accident and hurt someone else? I take care of everything my parent does, and I’m worried negative attention will be put on me.”You ... Continue Reading Feb 09, 2016 The Road Ahead: Driving Devices for People with AMD & Low Vision Many of us take our ability to drive for granted. By enabling your mobility, being able to drive can significantly improve your quality of life. Driving makes it easier to visit your friends and loved ones, find better jobs, make appointments, get involved in your community, ... Continue Reading Dec 11, 2014 5 Tips for Senior Driving Safety Most people take driving for granted, but as they get older, driving can become more dangerous and a topic for discussion. Keeping older adult drivers on the road longer should be a goal as long as they can drive safely. With the following tips, you can help keep your ... Continue Reading Multiple Myeloma Dec 15, 2016 Multiple Myeloma: What Is It? What Can I Expect? and More Multiple myeloma was once considered a death sentence, but over the past 30 years, things have changed. Although multiple myeloma is still a very serious type of cancer, our ability to treat it is rapidly improving. There are still many things we don’t know about multiple ... Continue Reading Multiple Sclerosis Mar 08, 2018 Multiple Sclerosis Awareness: Is Multiple Sclerosis Considered a Disability? With March being Multiple Sclerosis awareness month, it’s a good time to discover more about the disease in general and to answer the question, “Is Multiple sclerosis considered a disability?” Currently, over 400,000 individuals in the United States have Multiple Sclerosis ... Continue Reading Mar 10, 2015 Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms: 10 Early Warning Signs of MS Multiple Sclerosis is a disease that most people have heard of at one time or another. According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, it is estimated that over 2.3 million people around the world have MS. Several celebrities, such as comedian Richard Pryor and actress ... Continue Reading Mar 26, 2012 Multiple Sclerosis Education Spring is in the air, but we can’t embrace April’s showers or May’s flowers without providing some “Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Education” — which the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation (MSF) has attributed to the month of March. So this week, Griswold’s blog posts are dedicated to ... Continue Reading Neuromuscular Diseases May 08, 2018 ALS and Stephen Hawking: Timeline, Quick Facts, and More If you’ve been watching the news, then you might have heard that Stephen Hawking recently passed away. While he is known for his scientific discoveries and theories, he is also known for living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as ALS. As a celebration of his ... Continue Reading Apr 10, 2018 Exercises for Parkinson’s Disease Regular exercise is a critical component of healthy living, and for people with Parkinson’s disease, it takes on an even greater level of importance. Parkinson’s disease causes problems with flexibility and balance, which can make activities of daily living more difficult. ... Continue Reading Mar 08, 2018 Multiple Sclerosis Awareness: Is Multiple Sclerosis Considered a Disability? With March being Multiple Sclerosis awareness month, it’s a good time to discover more about the disease in general and to answer the question, “Is Multiple sclerosis considered a disability?” Currently, over 400,000 individuals in the United States have Multiple Sclerosis ... Continue Reading Jan 07, 2018 Early Signs of Parkinson’s Disease Michael J. Fox is one of the more famous individuals with Parkinson’s Disease that affects nearly 1 million adults living in the United States. Perhaps the worst part of the disease is that, according to the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation (PDF), it is classified as both ... Continue Reading Nutrition & Diet Jan 28, 2021 Feeding Tubes for the Elderly: Pros and Cons Because there are countless reasons a person might need a feeding tube, the range of advantages and disadvantages can be just as wide. But what different kinds of tubes are there, and what kind of risks or complications can you expect along the way? Learning more about the ... Continue Reading Oct 22, 2020 Malnutrition in Elderly Adults Malnutrition in elderly adults can be a serious condition if it is not recognized and treated. Malnutrition in the aging community is not always detected easily. Older adults naturally tend to eat less, and many lose interest in food. A diminished appetite can be dismissed ... Continue Reading Sep 17, 2020 How to Stop Chronic Diarrhea in Elderly Adults Diarrhea can be quite irksome, especially for older adults. When it comes to chronic diarrhea, you can also experience other debilitating symptoms, such as fever and nausea. However, there are things you can keep in mind to prevent and treat it. In this post, we will take a ... Continue Reading Aug 27, 2020 Loss of Appetite: How to Increase Appetite in Elderly Adults While an occasional loss of appetite is nothing to be worried about, a consistent loss of appetite can become a serious health risk. And there are quite a few reasons why seniors can start eating less. But fortunately, there are nearly just as many ways to increase appetite ... Continue Reading Occupational Therapy Apr 29, 2014 Geriatric Occupational Therapy for Older Adults: Treatment Ideas Serious injuries and diseases can have a major effect on one’s muscle strength and coordination. In some instances, this may require that the person learn how to walk on their own. As the name suggests, occupational therapy (OT) is also designed to assist individuals with ... Continue Reading Apr 03, 2014 5 Ways Occupational Therapy & Home Care Can Help Your Loved One Contrary to popular belief, home health care and occupational therapy is not just for the elderly. It can be extraordinarily beneficial for people of all ages, and encompasses a comprehensive approach intended to help an individual improve their physical and psychosocial ... Continue Reading May 01, 2013 Should Your Loved One Have an Occupational Therapist? Your loved one wants to remain living at home for as long as she can. But lately, you’ve become worried about her ability to take care of day-to-day activities like cooking and grooming herself. Is it time to send her to an assisted care facility? For some older adults, ... Continue Reading Osteoporosis & Bone Health Jun 09, 2020 Pilates for Osteoporosis People often take their bones for granted. But our bones are not entirely unlike our muscles, both become stronger when they have to resist force. That’s why astronauts who return to Earth from prolonged periods in orbit end up with all kinds of bone density problems, not ... Continue Reading Aug 26, 2019 Why Stress is Harmful to Bone Health You probably know that physical stress (falls, chronic strenuous exercise, and inflammatory foods) can cause bone loss. But did you know that mental stress can have a similar effect? Yes, a person’s state of mind can wear down their bones too. In fact, recent research shows ... Continue Reading Jul 26, 2018 Hip Replacement Failure: How Long Does a Hip Replacement Last? If you’ve had your hip replaced, you may be thinking that all of the pain and suffering and surgery is behind you. Unfortunately, hip replacements don’t last forever, so even if you’ve had one, you may start to notice hip replacement failure symptoms. Signs of Hip ... Continue Reading Jun 08, 2017 What is Dowager’s Hump and How to Prevent It No one ever said getting older was easy. Sometimes, it seems as if time likes to make the aging process as difficult as possible. That’s especially true when it comes to Dowager’s Hump — the non-medical term that refers to the stooped appearance of many older people, ... Continue Reading Our Griswoldness Jul 09, 2020 Client and Caregiver Safety Remains Our Top Priority As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, the health and wellness of our clients and caregivers remains our top priority. Griswold Home Care offices are continuing to take every precaution to keep clients, caregivers, and staff safe and healthy. In a previous blog post , we ... Continue Reading Mar 19, 2020 How We’re Keeping Clients and Caregivers Safe During the COVID-19 Pandemic The health and wellness of our clients and caregivers is important to us, but it is even more critical now. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, we want to assure you that Griswold Home Care offices are taking every precaution to keep clients, caregivers, and staff safe and ... Continue Reading Feb 21, 2020 Celebrating National Caregivers Day At Griswold Home Care, our dedicated caregivers serve those who require help at home with tasks like housekeeping, meal preparation, transportation, and toileting. Established by Providers Association for Home Health & Hospice Agencies (PAHHA) in 2015, National Caregivers ... Continue Reading May 30, 2019 Announcing the 2018 Griswold Annual Scholarship Winner! Griswold Home Care offers a $1,000 annual scholarship to a qualified student pursuing a bachelor’s, associate’s, graduate, or professional degree at an accredited college or university. Winners will usually have at least a 3.75 GPA, and have experience in caregiving. We ... Continue Reading Pain Management Dec 08, 2020 Pain Management in Elderly Adults Many seniors and elderly adults believe that experiencing chronic pain is a natural part of aging. Luckily, this is not the case. While pain management for seniors can be trickier than grabbing some Tylenol at your local drug store, there are options that can offer relief. ... Continue Reading Jul 19, 2018 Shoulder and Upper Back Pain in Elderly Adults As you age, it may seem like you have aches and pains in all sorts of places, but shoulder and upper back pain in elderly adults are two of the most common complains when it comes to pain. The good news is that there is treatment that can help. What Causes Shoulder and Upper ... Continue Reading May 10, 2018 Can Arthritis Cause Headaches? If you suffer from arthritis, you know it can cause all sorts of issues, from sore joints to stiffness to making it difficult to walk or partake in your favorite activities. But can arthritis also give you headaches? What Is Arthritis? Arthritis is a term to describe about ... Continue Reading Jan 10, 2018 Natural Remedies For Joint Pain According to the Arthritis Foundation, more than 54 million Americans have some form of arthritis . Though this potentially debilitating health condition can affect a person of any age, those over the age of 60 typically feel its effects the most. The term itself is a bit ... Continue Reading Parkinson's Disease Apr 01, 2020 Home Care Plan for Parkinson’s Disease April is Parkinson’s disease Awareness Month. Amid the events happening all around us, it is important to stay focused on our health and well-being. Parkinson’s disease is a progressive nervous system disorder that affects movement, speech, and finally the ability to care ... Continue Reading Apr 10, 2018 Exercises for Parkinson’s Disease Regular exercise is a critical component of healthy living, and for people with Parkinson’s disease, it takes on an even greater level of importance. Parkinson’s disease causes problems with flexibility and balance, which can make activities of daily living more difficult. ... Continue Reading Jan 07, 2018 Early Signs of Parkinson’s Disease Michael J. Fox is one of the more famous individuals with Parkinson’s Disease that affects nearly 1 million adults living in the United States. Perhaps the worst part of the disease is that, according to the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation (PDF), it is classified as both ... Continue Reading Apr 06, 2017 Parkinson’s Disease: Differences Between Young Onset & Later Years Before Michael J. Fox was diagnosed, not many people thought of Parkinson’s as a young person’s disease. Although the average age of a Parkinson’s diagnosis is 62, even teenagers can become afflicted. For people under 50, this is a special diagnosis called young-onset ... Continue Reading Paying for Care Sep 09, 2019 Medicare Forms, Claims, and Appeals Future and current beneficiaries with Medicare health insurance should be familiar with the many Medicare forms. Enrolling in Part A and understanding how to make appeals and file claims is something all beneficiaries should know. Once you find the form, filling it out is ... Continue Reading Jul 02, 2019 A Complete Guide to Medicare in 2020 Everyone knows change is constant with Medicare. It comes as no surprise that the year 2020 is bringing new policy changes that impact all current and future Medicare beneficiaries. It’s important to keep members in the loop when Medicare makes changes. The new year and new ... Continue Reading Jan 15, 2018 The Average Cost of Hospice and Palliative Care When it comes time to consider hospice and palliative care, one of the options to weigh must be the cost. The cost of end-of-life care can be expensive, so it is important to have some information upfront when making decisions. Below we will cover the average cost of hospice ... Continue Reading Jul 06, 2016 3 Reasons Why Seniors are Getting Divorced The website DivorceAfter50.com reports that nearly a quarter of all divorces today are among adults aged 50+. That number has doubled from what it was just 20 years ago. This phenomenon is being called “gray divorce.” The stigmas that forced previous generations to stay ... Continue Reading Pneumonia Feb 04, 2020 Pneumonia in Elderly Adults: What You Should Know Pneumonia and the complications of the disease can be serious or even life threatening at any age, but people over the age of 65 are considered a particularly high-risk group. Pneumonia symptoms in elderly people can be difficult to detect and are often not identified until ... Continue Reading Mar 28, 2019 Pneumonia Symptoms In Elderly Adults Pneumonia inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, which may fill with pus or fluid. This can cause a variety of symptoms, including fever, cough, chills, difficulty breathing, and many others. Pneumonia may be mild for certain populations, but it can be deadly for adults ... Continue Reading Dec 14, 2017 How to Prevent Pneumonia in Elderly Adults About one million Americans visit the hospital for pneumonia every year. More than 50,000 of them will die, 85% of which are seniors. That’s because the elderly are both more likely to develop pneumonia and less likely to survive it. Knowing how to prevent pneumonia in ... Continue Reading Process of Aging Feb 18, 2021 Weak Legs in Elderly Adults: Causes, Risks, Home Care Having strong legs can be fairly important for a person’s mobility, but unfortunately, weak leg muscles in the elderly can be caused by countless things. By the time we’re around 30 years old, we begin a gradual, lifelong decline in muscle mass and bone density, one that ... Continue Reading Jan 26, 2021 Counseling for Elderly Adults: When to Consider Geriatric counseling and psychotherapy for seniors are on the rise as more baby boomers reach and exceed the age of 65. Counseling older clients has become a routine part of the geriatrician’s protocol for their elderly patients. When Bette Davis said, “old age ain’t for ... Continue Reading Jan 12, 2021 Tremors in Elderly Adults: What to Know Involuntary tremors in the elderly are relatively common and rarely life-threatening. However, people who develop tremors after the age of 70 do have higher rates of mortality and dementia; and even relatively harmless tremors can impact a person’s ability to do certain ... Continue Reading Dec 16, 2020 Muscle Loss In Seniors: Can It Be Reversed? Losing strength with age is natural. But left unmanaged, muscle loss in seniors can be quite debilitating, even threatening a loss of independence. Sarcopenia (loss of skeletal muscle mass) affects about one in ten adults over the age of 50, which further emphasizes the ... Continue Reading Prostate Cancer Sep 01, 2020 Prostate Cancer Life Expectancy Prostate cancer and life expectancy can be scary to think about but there are treatments to prolong life, such as chemo, radiation, and hormone therapy. In this post, we will examine the information you will need for prostate cancer life expectancy. Life Expectancy After ... Continue Reading Sep 26, 2013 Prostate Cancer Symptoms: Fatigue & Finding the Energy to Live, Work and Play “I am a 47 year old, stage 2 prostate cancer survivor …and have bouts of fatigue . Doctors cannot figure it out and it is driving my wife crazy because I am tired most of the time . I try to exercise as much as possible and try to watch my diet, but I am still very tired .” ... Continue Reading Quality of Life Jun 11, 2020 Senior Organizations: List of Groups for Older Adults AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) may be a well-known national organization for senior citizens but it does not necessarily fit the needs of all older adults. In this post, we will take a look at senior citizen membership organizations and other types of senior ... Continue Reading Jun 10, 2020 Shared Housing for Seniors One thing we all know for sure, especially in today’s world, is life can change when we least expect it. Seniors who thought they had long term plans in place can have a life-changing event that turns their world upside down. One of the most common life changes facing ... Continue Reading May 21, 2020 Write Letters to Elderly Loved Ones When You Can’t Be With Them Do you have an elderly loved one in a nursing home? Have you moved across the country for a job that’s far from your aging parents? What about your aunt who lives in a nursing home in a neighboring town? You’ve meant to visit, but you haven’t had the time. Why not write ... Continue Reading May 14, 2020 Elderly Shopping Habits: Are Older Adults Online Shopping? It isn’t just the kids and teenagers spending all their time online these days. Seniors and elderly adults spend plenty of their day connected through the internet as well, with 66% of those aged 65 and older reporting that they use the internet regularly. Like many of us, ... Continue Reading Romance Jul 10, 2019 Patient Falling in Love With Caregiver: What To Do The caregiver-patient relationship is often a close one. When a senior or a person with a disability must rely on someone else for daily assistance, it’s easy to understand how strong bonds can develop. But what happens when a patient’s feelings for their caregiver go beyond ... Continue Reading Aug 31, 2017 Tinder for Seniors? Tinder for Seniors? Yes. Seniors date. Whether they’re widowed, divorced, or a lifelong bachelor or bachelorette. Whereas their younger counterparts have been relying on online dating apps like Tinder, many seniors have now gotten in on the act and there is a new app that ... Continue Reading Oct 25, 2016 The Importance of Sexual Health for Seniors The Importance of Sexual Health for Seniors With the many advances in health care, people are living longer, healthier and more active lives. While such positive trends are definitely good news, they also contribute to additional health concerns for older individuals — ... Continue Reading Aug 18, 2016 Growing Old Together: Romantic or Scary? Our dear friends, Shelly* and Rob*, started dating 20 years ago. Shelly had zero interest in marriage, so 15 years ago they agreed to become “permanently engaged.” When they called recently and said they had decided to get married, my husband and I were delighted and very ... Continue Reading Sandwich Generation Jul 15, 2020 Caring for Elderly Parents: Stress and Emotional Effects We all love to plan things. We plan our weddings, the arrival of a new baby, graduation celebrations, birthday parties and simple things like the dinner menu or a lunch date with a friend. Most of us live by the clock and the calendar. But what about the unplanned ... Continue Reading Jun 25, 2020 What to do When Elderly Parents Refuse to Move When our parents start showing signs of cognitive decline or start suffering from significant physical limitations, living alone can become unsafe. But people grow used to their independence, which makes it tough to face reality when start needing a little help. Countless ... Continue Reading Jun 20, 2019 The Sandwich Generation: Stress and Other Issues The sandwich generation is typically defined as adults who are “sandwiched” between taking care of their aging parents and their younger children. There are three variations of this term: The Traditional Sandwich Generation: Adults in their 40s or early 50s, who care for ... Continue Reading Jun 27, 2012 A Survival Guide for the Sandwich Generation As July is fast approaching, we’re gearing up to celebrate the annual Sandwich Generation Month. In recent years, a new phenomenon called the sandwich generation has been brought to light. The sandwich generation is a group of adults, mostly between the ages of 30 and 55, ... Continue Reading Scholarship May 30, 2019 Announcing the 2018 Griswold Annual Scholarship Winner! Griswold Home Care offers a $1,000 annual scholarship to a qualified student pursuing a bachelor’s, associate’s, graduate, or professional degree at an accredited college or university. Winners will usually have at least a 3.75 GPA, and have experience in caregiving. We ... Continue Reading Mar 02, 2018 Spring 2018 Scholarship Winner: Christopher Thompson In 2005, Hurricane Katrina wreaked havoc on the city affectionately known as “The Big Easy”. New Orleans, Louisiana, the home of a vibrant nightlife, decadent food, and soulful music was overcome by the deadly storm. Amidst its destruction lies the story of a New Orleans ... Continue Reading Senior Care Advice Aug 17, 2020 UTI Symptoms in Elderly Adults Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are more common in elderly adults than any other age group. UTIs are not only more common in the aging population, but UTI symptoms in elderly people can also be more complicated than in younger patients with the same illness. Let’s take a ... Continue Reading Jul 22, 2020 Poor Circulation in Feet: Causes and How to Improve As we grow older, developing some circulatory impairment is natural. Not only does our circulatory system become less efficient, but we’re also more likely to develop a variety of health conditions that might impair it further. While poor circulation in feet is often nothing ... Continue Reading Jul 20, 2020 Causes of Dizziness in Elderly Adults Dizziness can be quite debilitating when you don’t keep it in check. For elderly people, it increases your risk of falling, leading to potentially life-threatening situations. Let’s take a look at what causes dizziness in the elderly and how you can treat it. Causes of ... Continue Reading May 07, 2020 Wellness Check: FAQs The COVID-19 pandemic may prevent you from seeing your loved one as much as you’d like. This can be anxiety-inducing if you’re concerned about their health and safety, but luckily, a wellness check can ensure they are okay during dangerous circumstances. Let’s take a closer ... Continue Reading Skin & UV Safety Sep 22, 2020 Bruising in the Elderly: What Causes Skin Bruising in Seniors? Bruising in elderly people is a common condition that we see frequently. Have you visited a nursing facility or Alzheimer’s Care Center and noticed bruises on elderly people’s arms and hands? If you have been around an elderly person, or if you are not as young as you once ... Continue Reading Jul 06, 2020 How to Maintain Skin Integrity in the Elderly If you have a skin injury or have been exposed to environmental factors such as radiation, you may be at risk for impaired skin integrity. This results in adverse skin conditions. Luckily, there are steps you can take, such as enjoying a nutritious diet or practicing good ... Continue Reading Dec 11, 2018 Skin Tears in the Elderly: Causes, Prevention, Treatment Just like the rest of your body, as you age, so does your skin. It wrinkles and loses its elasticity. Bruising becomes a larger issue as well. This is simply a fact of life, so you and your loved one’s will want to know the causes, prevention, and treatment of skin tears ... Continue Reading May 15, 2018 Melanoma Facts: Answers to 10 Frequently Asked Questions May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and as the weather warms up, there’s no better time to learn about preventable skin cancer. If you’ve ever noticed a new or unusual mole on your body and felt concerned about it, your concern isn’t unwarranted. Skin cancer is quite common, ... Continue Reading Sleep Apr 14, 2020 Sleep in the Elderly: What is Normal? If you are a caregiver for a senior, or even just have elderly people in your life, you may wonder about their sleeping habits. It sometimes seems that the elderly don’t need as much sleep as the average person. You may feel like the elderly in your life are sleeping a lot, ... Continue Reading Aug 19, 2019 5 Reasons Why Seniors Struggle To Wake Up One of the most common side effects of growing old is thought to be chronic fatigue. Most people assume that tiredness just comes hand in hand with age and there’s nothing that can be done about it. But the truth isn’t so black and white. As we get older, our bodies go ... Continue Reading Mar 14, 2019 World Sleep Day: How Seniors Are Staying Asleep All Night When is National Sleep Day? Every year, a committee at the World Sleep Society aims to raise awareness about sleep disorders through World Sleep Day. It is always held the Friday before the Spring Equinox. The 2019 event is being held March 15th. Seniors often have trouble ... Continue Reading Mar 22, 2018 A Restless Legs Syndrome Diet for Better Sleep According to The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke , restless legs syndrome (RLS), sometimes called Willis-Ekbom disease, often causes unpleasant or uncomfortable sensations in the legs and an irresistible urge to move them. Symptoms usually occur ... Continue Reading Social Workers Nov 19, 2020 Homelessness Among the Elderly According to the National Coalition for the Homeless , there is a troubling statistic among people between the ages of 50-64. There is an upward trend in the proportion of homelessness among the elderly. Unfortunately, people between the ages of 50 and 64 can fall through ... Continue Reading Mar 17, 2020 Senior Social Services for Elderly Adults Living Alone Life expectancy has improved by leaps and bounds over the last few decades. With an aging population, there’s an enormous need for senior care services. And in general, that means there’s more support for seniors and elderly adults living at home than ever before. However, ... Continue Reading Mar 27, 2018 Elderly Gambling Addiction: Signs of Gambling Addiction in Seniors Bingo! It’s a common cry that echoes through senior communities. It’s also a seemingly harmless hobby that can lead to trouble if a gambling addiction is involved. With a gambling industry intent on preying on the vulnerabilities seniors face, it’s no wonder some experts ... Continue Reading Mar 01, 2017 What ELSE Do Senior Social Workers Do? The demographic makeup of our country is changing. In fact, the number of Americans aged 65 and older is expected to more than double by the year 2060. The United States will then be home to over 98 million accounting for 24% of our population. And age isn’t the only factor ... Continue Reading Spinal Muscular Atrophy Aug 05, 2020 Living with Adult Onset Spinal Muscular Atrophy: Type 4 Like many kinds of chronic disease, living with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is easier with proactive management. And while exercise is important for all seniors, it can be particularly important for older adults with SMA. But what is adult spinal muscular atrophy, and how ... Continue Reading Aug 19, 2014 The Facts About Spinal Muscular Atrophy in Seniors For many, spinal muscular atrophy begins in early childhood or even at birth; however, there are forms of the disease that begin in early to middle adulthood. The age of onset can play an important role when it comes to the severity of the disease, but regardless of when an ... Continue Reading Stroke May 04, 2017 Different Strokes: Specific Warning Signs of Stroke for Men & Women No two strokes are ever the same, but there are warning signs to watch for that signal that a person may have a stroke. While there are some common signs to watch for, please keep in mind that women and men have different risk factors and both also have stroke symptoms that ... Continue Reading May 02, 2017 Measuring Stroke Severity & Recovery Time It happens suddenly, but can take months or years to recover. A stroke can be scary for the patient and for their loved ones. However, after the event, it is important for medical professionals to measure the severity of the stroke which will help determine the recovery time ... Continue Reading May 04, 2016 What’s Normal During Stroke Recovery? A stroke is a serious medical condition which can occur with little warning. Since it impacts in a vital organ, the brain, it’s no surprise that immediate medical attention is needed to prevent loss of life. After the initial medical event has been stabilized, a new process ... Continue Reading Oct 07, 2015 How to Cope: Helping an Elderly Parent After a Traumatic Brain Injury Traumatic brain injury, or TBI, may not be your first concern when caring for the older loved one in your life. Instead, heart disease, diabetes, and dementia are most likely what come to mind. Unfortunately, as one ages, the chances of TBI increase, so it is important to ... Continue Reading Substance Abuse May 17, 2019 Caregivers, Alcohol & Substance Abuse Caregiving is a physically, mentally, and emotionally demanding job. Whether you are a professional caregiver or a non-paid family caregiver, the toll it takes on your own well-being can be significant. In fact, caregivers often develop health problems of their own. One of ... Continue Reading Apr 05, 2018 Alcohol Induced Dementia: Can Alcohol Cause Dementia? When most people think about dementia, Alzheimer’s usually comes to mind, but there are other causes of the disease that you should be aware of. One such cause is called alcohol induced dementia. What Is Alcoholic Dementia? Unlike other types of dementia, alcoholic dementia ... Continue Reading Sundowner's Syndrome Mar 24, 2020 Sundowners in Elderly Adults Being a caregiver for an elderly person is an admirable and fulfilling task, but it is not an easy task. The elderly struggle with many challenges to their physical and mental well-being. These struggles could include anything from Parkinson’s to Alzheimer’s. One ... Continue Reading Jul 09, 2019 How To Know When Your Loved One Is Sundowning Most people understand that people with dementia have their good days and their bad days. What’s less known is that the symptoms of dementia can also be affected by the time of day. Researchers named this phenomenon sundown syndrome, and it’s fairly common among people with ... Continue Reading May 17, 2018 Confusion and Anxiety in the Elderly at Night When the sun goes down, the feeling of unease can creep into anyone’s mind, but the evening hours can cause both confusion and anxiety in the elderly for a number of reasons, so for caregivers, it’s important to understand why this happens and what can be done to help. What ... Continue Reading Surgery Feb 09, 2021 Knee Replacement Recovery Time for Elderly Adults: Post-Op Home Care Many elderly adults suffer from joint pain as they age and their bodies begin to “wear out.” Often this pain is caused by osteoarthritis, and one of the joints most affected is the knee. Luckily, technology is an amazing thing, and it is now not only possible but common to ... Continue Reading May 16, 2019 No One To Help After Surgery: Recovery At Home Recovering from surgery without friends or family can be a difficult process. Most surgeries will keep you immobile for long periods of time and you may require some assistance in performing daily tasks. However, there are steps you can take and services you can utilize to ... Continue Reading Jun 19, 2018 Hernia Surgery Recovery Tips Approximately 350,000 hernia surgeries are performed every year in the United States. With millions of case histories to draw upon, medical researchers have been able to develop a clear picture of what to expect after hernia surgery. Based on what they’ve learned, you can ... Continue Reading Feb 22, 2017 Hip Surgery: What to Expect During Recovery It’s been nearly six decades since the first hip replacement surgery was performed. And while today’s replacements last longer than ever, the road to recovery can be just as challenging as it ever was. That’s why it’s important to understand what you can expect while ... Continue Reading Technology & Aging Jan 05, 2021 Smart Home Assistants for Seniors: Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and More Is Alexa good for the elderly? What are the best smart home devices for the elderly? In this post, we will look at some tools to help you determine the best home assistant for seniors. Amazon Alexa What can Alexa do for the elderly? It may seem like a popular device for ... Continue Reading Nov 24, 2020 Monitoring Elderly Parents Remotely: What To Know We can’t spend 24-hours a day with our loved ones, but with the help of a few wisely chosen senior home monitoring tools, we can come close. Because in the right circumstances, effective home monitoring for the elderly makes it possible to quickly respond in a fall ... Continue Reading Oct 13, 2020 Apps for Elderly Adults in 2020 In this age of technology, performing basic tasks has never been easier. However, some older adults can experience anxiety when navigating this climate. Luckily, there are several ways to make technology more accessible and fun. From communicating with loved ones to playing ... Continue Reading Jun 30, 2020 Innovative Products for Elderly Adults in 2020 Through the power of technology and industry innovations, senior living can be made easier through fascinating devices and tools. Let’s take a close look at innovative products for elderly adults. Convenience Products for Seniors There are plenty of products to make life ... Continue Reading Therapy Mar 10, 2020 Physical Therapy for Elderly Adults Falling is one of the biggest fears elderly adults face every day. No one wants to end up in the hospital because they tripped going down the stairs or lost their balance while getting out of the bathtub or shower. According to the National Council on Aging , falls are the ... Continue Reading Apr 07, 2015 The Difference Between Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy (and Speech Therapy) Often times, those who have suffered from an injury, accident, or a chronic condition will need weeks or months of care to recover and adapt to their new circumstances. The medical professionals who specialize in providing that long-term care are therapists. With the latest ... Continue Reading Transportation Feb 25, 2020 Transportation Services for Elderly Adults Ask almost anyone over the age of sixty and they will tell you growing older is almost no fun at all. With age comes wisdom, but also many physical and mental challenges. These physical challenges – such as diminished eyesight, poor night vision, hearing loss, and limited ... Continue Reading Jun 27, 2019 Transportation for Seniors to Medical Appointments When loved ones are no longer able to drive, transportation problems can become potentially crippling. It’s estimated about half of Americans over 65 do not have access to public transit. This is especially common among rural areas. But access to personal transportation for ... Continue Reading Jun 04, 2019 Long Distance Elderly Transportation Long-distance traveling can be difficult for elderly people due to mobility issues and health complications. In this post, we will explore transportation methods, travel tips, and services. How Does Aging Affect Traveling Ability? Driving is one of the most straightforward ... Continue Reading Aug 17, 2017 How Uber and Lyft Can Help Seniors When Uber first rolled out in Richmond, I was among one of the early adopters. For me, Uber was cheaper and faster than taking a taxi, which made going out for drinks almost too easy. Little did I know, the technology that carted me to and from bars could be used for a much ... Continue Reading Travel Jun 06, 2019 Vacations for Seniors with Limited Mobility Everyone seems to have an idea of all the places they want to visit once they retire. But as we age, it can become more difficult to get around. Some of us may struggle with stairs or walking for long periods of time. Some of us may need a cane, walker, or wheelchair to ... Continue Reading Oct 18, 2017 Caregiver Tips for Traveling with Dementia A dementia or Alzheimer’s diagnosis doesn’t necessarily mean the end of all travel, but it does mean taking extra precautions and making extra preparations in order to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all. Travel may be possible for senior citizens living with ... Continue Reading Aug 20, 2015 The Best Road Trips to Take with Senior Parents The best road trips aren’t only about the destination, it’s also the quality time you spend laughing, sharing, and creating memories. This favorite American pastime doesn’t have to end now that you have senior parents. In fact what better way to get everyone together for ... Continue Reading Vaccines Aug 20, 2020 Shingles in Elderly Adults: How Dangerous is Shingles in the Elderly? Shingles is a viral infection that causes a painful rash. They most often appear as a stripe of blisters that wraps around one side of your torso. The cause of shingles in the elderly is a virus called varicella-zoster. Chickenpox and shingles are both caused by this virus. ... Continue Reading Aug 09, 2016 Immunization and the Elderly: Natural Ways to Boost Seniors’ Immune Systems It’s a fact of life that as we grow older, our immune system doesn’t work quite the way it used to. That’s important information to know because the body’s immunity is what protects us from catching common viruses that are making the rounds, as well as developing more ... Continue Reading Veterans Jul 01, 2020 Caring for Veterans with PTSD Fireworks are almost everyone’s favorite part of Independence Day festivities, and many major cities have reported them going off throughout the entire month. While the jury is still out as to why, the general consensus is that people are bored and it’s a way to let off ... Continue Reading May 26, 2016 Honoring Memorial Day with Seniors In the excitement of summer’s unofficial arrival, it is easy to overlook what Memorial Day really is. Beyond the barbecues and neighborhood gatherings lies the real meaning of this day: remembrance. The Memorial Day holiday is a time to reflect on those who served during ... Continue Reading Vision & Eye Health Jun 04, 2020 Complications of Untreated Cataracts What is happening to my vision? Are you experiencing poor vision in low lighting? Do you have to turn on overhead lights when a lamp used to be sufficient? How about the glare you’ve been seeing as a car approaches you while driving at night, or the halo that appears around ... Continue Reading Feb 08, 2018 Is Macular Degeneration Hereditary? Macular degeneration affects about 200,000 new people each year, and while there are treatments that can help, it can’t be cured. If you have a family member who suffers from this condition, you may be wondering if it is hereditary and if you’re at risk for developing the ... Continue Reading Jan 16, 2018 What Does Glaucoma Feel Like? Before you notice anything is wrong, glaucoma can steal nearly half of your vision. Most of the time, there are no symptoms to alert you as permanent losses slowly accumulate. It’s estimated that over 3 million Americans have glaucoma, and only about half of them know it. ... Continue Reading Jan 24, 2017 Activities for Seniors with Limited Vision Imagine what would happen if you lost your ability to see. Would you still be able to enjoy the hobbies and activities that are important to you? This is the dilemma faced by a growing number of seniors and their caregivers. The National Federation of the Blind estimates ... Continue Reading Women's Health Oct 14, 2020 Senior Women's Health Issues Women of all ages want to feel vibrant and healthy. Maintaining our health as we age can be a challenge. Let’s talk about some common senior women’s health issues, their symptoms, and how to treat and manage them. Urinary Tract Infection in Elderly Woman Many women over the ... Continue Reading Jun 13, 2017 Menopause: The Good, The Bad, and the Hot Flashes Menopause is something that all women go through, but not every woman has the same experience. Some suffer terribly while others breeze through menopause without giving it much thought. We’ll take a look at the two sides of the menopause coin, explore the good and the bad, ... Continue Reading Yoga Jan 06, 2018 Yoga for Seniors, the Elderly, and Older Adults: Stress Relief and More Yoga for Seniors, the Elderly, and Older Adults When the talk turns to yoga, many of us may automatically visualize younger adults in a variety of complicated poses. Even though the benefits of practicing this gentle form of exercise are well-documented , older adults may ... Continue Reading Aug 08, 2017 8 Yoga Poses That Seniors Can Do Without Yoga Trainers As you age, you enter the “golden years” of your life, which bring along precious gifts like maturity, wisdom, experience, and more. However, you probably also find yourself battling physical ailments like osteoarthritis, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes to name a few. ... Continue Reading