Caregiver Tips
A collection of post to provide valuable information to caregivers and provide tips that will help in day to day care.
Solo Agers: Do You Have a Designated Senior Planner?
Baby boomers without children, or solo agers, have to consider different options for their later years than those with children.
If you are a baby boomer without children, the new term “solo ager” applies to you. This strong and self-reliant group faces some distinct concerns in aging, chiefly who to designate as guardian and decision-maker in the event that they become unable to do so themselves. Inside her book, Essential Retirement Planning for Solo Agers, author Sara Zeff Geber, Ph.D. defines several senior planner options to consider: Continue reading
Know the Risks Before Trying Alternative Supplements for Alzheimer’s Disease
Always get the doctor’s approval before trying anything new.
As the saying goes, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. That could very well pertain to the recent influx of corporations touting alternative supplements, dietary programs, and herbal concoctions in order to cure, or at the very least minimize, the ramifications of Alzheimer’s disease. The Alzheimer’s Association would like to advise us, however, to go forward with caution when looking into treatment ideas for a loved one with dementia – and always get the doctor’s approval before trying anything new. Continue reading
Can Surgeries Lead to Cognitive Impairment in Seniors?
POCD takes place in more than 25% of seniors in the days and even weeks just after non-cardiac surgery.
Undergoing surgery for seniors always involves some inherent risks, but there is a little-known effect impacting a significant number of seniors following surgery that we all must be aware of: POCD (postoperative cognitive dysfunction). POCD takes place in more than 25% of seniors in the days and even weeks just after non-cardiac surgery, and may present with a variety of symptoms, several of which can be almost indiscernible: forgetfulness, loss in concentration and focus, along with other kinds of cognitive impairment that affect quality of life. Continue reading
Essential Caregiver Tips from Our Senior Personal Care Team, Matanuska-Susitna, AK
Learn the skills you need to provide better care for your senior loved one.
If you’re providing care for a senior loved one, it is possible that you fell into the responsibility with no formal training: you saw the need, and gallantly came forward to satisfy it. Yet, at Midnight Sun Home Care, thorough training… Continue reading
Communicating with Alzheimer’s: Is It OK to Bend the Truth?
Is it OK to bend the truth when communicating with someone who has Alzheimer’s disease?
Very early on, we learn the tale of George Washington’s mishap with the cherry tree along with his bold admittance to his parents, “I cannot tell a lie; I chopped down the cherry tree!” Truthfulness is integrated in our character,… Continue reading
Senior Living Arrangements: Should Mom Move in with You?
Should Mom move in with you or is home care in Anchorage, AK the answer?
Probably one of the most commendable and admirable choices adult children can make is to open up their house to an aging parent. Our parents raised and took care of us when we needed help and support, so it seems… Continue reading
Alcohol Abuse and the Elderly
Alcohol – it can be used responsibility but it can also become a major health problem if abused. April is Alcohol Awareness Month and it was established in 1987 to help reduce the stigma often associated with alcoholism. Alcoholism is a chronic, progressive disease, genetically predisposed and fatal if untreated. Millions of Americans suffer from… Continue reading
Making sure your important papers are in order
Get Your Important Papers in Order
What happens after you die, and end of life care conversations are never fun to have, but they’re very important. It doesn’t matter how old you are – there are certain documents you need to have in place. Without these documents, your family may not carry out your wishes… Continue reading
How to Spot Senior Abuse and What to Do
Over 28 million Americans become victims of fraud annually, and 30 percent are seniors. Criminals target seniors for many reasons including they may be more trusting, have savings and weren’t raised in an era of cyber scams. According to the National Adult Protective Services Association, “financial exploitation is a fast-growing form of abuse of seniors… Continue reading
Be Heart Healthy This Month
February is the month of love. In addition to showing some love for the people in your life, consider showing your heart some love this month. Heart disease is the leading cause of death among men and women in the U.S. The American Heart Association suggests these four tips for improving your heart health:
Eat… Continue reading
Earthquake Safety for Seniors | Anchorage, Alaska
On January 23, 2018, thousands of Alaskans were shaking in their beds when a 7.9 magnitude earthquake struck in the Gulf of Alaska. The earthquake triggered tsunami warnings, sending people to higher ground and shelters. Luckily, there were no reports of damage from the earthquake and the tsunami warning was cancelled without incident. However, cases… Continue reading
Caregiver Spotlight: Sharon Ameline
MSHC Caregiver Sharon Ameline approaches every day with her clients with one goal in mind, “to make them have a smile every day.” Sharon is MSHC’s longest-serving employee; she’s been with the company for 15 years. “I was like, what do I do for a job,” said Sharon. “I’ve raised four kids, I’ve been a… Continue reading
Improving Senior Financial Literacy
In 2004, the American Society on Aging sponsored a study to evaluate the financial knowledge of Americans age 50 and older, which included a survey of three simple yes/no questions that assessed the knowledge of the respondents on concepts such as inflation, risk diversification and interest rates.* A
t that time only one third of… Continue reading
Gift Ideas for Caregivers
Don’t Get Caught in the Cold – Winterize with Midnight Sun Home Care
Winter is rough on seniors. Let the staff at Midnight Sun Home Care (MSHC) help get your home winter-ready.
Seal Gaps: Installing weather strips around doors and caulking cracks will keep the cold air out and reduce heating bills.
Program the Thermostat: By using a programmable thermostat you can save big bucks. We’ll help… Continue reading