caregiving Tag

28 Oct

Posted at 11:52h in Home Care

Safety Notice: This article offers general home-preparation tips and is not a substitute for the discharge instructions given by the patient's care team. Follow the care team's guidance on movement, bathing and wound care. If the person falls and is hurt, cannot get up, hits their head, or develops new confusion, chest pain or trouble breathing, call 911.

Your mom is due home from the hospital on Friday, and the discharge nurse has just mentioned that she'll need help with the toilet for a while. You picture the narrow bathroom at her house, the low seat and the towel rack she always grabs, and you're not sure where to start.

The bathroom is often the room where a homecoming needs changes, and it's also where rushed purchases go wrong. A short review, built around the discharge plan and the person's real routine, tells you what to fix before Friday and what can wait until you know more.

27 Oct

Posted at 11:40h in Home Care, Primary Care

Editorial Notice: This post is for general information and is not specific medical advice. Eligibility for home-based care and insurance coverage, including Medicare's homebound requirements, depend on individual circumstances. In an emergency, call 911. Providers named or linked in this post are not warranted or endorsed by MedicalResearch.com or Eminent Domains Inc.

Navigating healthcare options for aging family members, people with chronic illnesses, or those with limited mobility can be challenging. Traditional medical visits can be taxing, from getting to the office to waiting to be seen.

For people who find it hard to leave their homes, getting regular professional medical care can be especially difficult. This is where alternative care options, such as home-based primary care, come into play.

06 Jul

Posted at 12:26h in Home Care

Daily life often shifts after surgery, illness, or gradual physical decline. Families may first notice skipped meals, late medications, or hesitation during bathing and dressing. Professional home support helps older adults remain in familiar surroundings while receiving steady, practical assistance. That arrangement protects comfort, preserves routine, and reduces strain during periods when strength, balance, memory, or stamina no longer support safe, independent living without extra help.

As the National Institute on Aging notes, remaining in familiar surroundings can meaningfully support older adults' wellbeing — and understanding what professional home care involves helps families make that choice with confidence. Emerging technologies are also expanding what's possible, as explored in this overview of tech-smart aging for home, help, and health. Remaining in familiar surroundings can meaningfully support older adults' wellbeing — and understanding what professional home care involves helps families make that choice with confidence. 

[caption id="attachment_74786" align="aligncenter" width="500"]Everyday Benefits of Professional Home CareEveryday Benefits of Professional Home Care Photo by Gustavo Fring[/caption]

19 Jun

Posted at 11:48h in Stroke

What Stroke Recovery Really Looks Like for Older Adults

For many older adults, a stroke marks the beginning of a new chapter filled with uncertainty. One day, routine activities such as walking around the house, preparing a meal, or chatting with family may feel effortless. The next day, those same tasks can require patience, support, and practice. While emergency treatment often receives the most attention, stroke recovery continues long after a person leaves the hospital.

Families frequently expect a clear timeline for improvement, but stroke recovery rarely follows a predictable path. Some older adults regain skills quickly, while others face ongoing challenges that affect movement, thinking, swallowing, or communication. Understanding what recovery truly looks like can help survivors and caregivers prepare for the road ahead and recognize progress when it happens.

[caption id="attachment_74377" align="aligncenter" width="500"]life-after-stroke.png Image Source[/caption]

09 Sep

Posted at 14:45h in Cerebral Palsy, Medical Equipment, Stroke

Patient Lift Safety Notice: Improper use of patient lifts can lead to falls and serious injury. Ask a physical or occupational therapist or other qualified professional to assess which lift and sling are appropriate, and make sure every caregiver is trained before using the equipment. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and weight limits, and use two caregivers when the manufacturer or care plan calls for it. This content is not specific medical advice, and equipment suppliers mentioned or linked here are not warranted or endorsed by MedicalResearch.com or Eminent Domains Inc.

Mechanical patient lifts play an essential role in improving safety, comfort, and independence for people with limited mobility. Whether they're used in private homes, assisted living communities, rehabilitation centers, or hospitals, these devices reduce the physical strain of transfers while minimizing the risk of injury for both patients and caregivers. With several lift designs available, understanding the different types of mechanical lifts for patients makes it easier to choose the right solution for a person's mobility needs, level of support, and living environment. [caption id="attachment_76534" align="aligncenter" width="500"]mobility-lifts-pexels Pexels[/caption]

18 Jul

Posted at 13:51h in Caregiving, Stroke

Adopt a flexible mindset and listen to your loved one’s doctors for suggestions. If they think that your loved one will thrive better in a skilled nursing facility, subacute care in congregate setting, or an inpatient rehabilitation unit, seriously consider their advice and weigh the potential benefits. ...

12 May

Posted at 12:12h in Aging, Social Issues
 Supporting a family member to age comfortably at home can range from regular check-ins at a parent's place to aiding a partner in daily tasks like bathing and cooking, along with managing medications and giving injections. No matter the extent of your assistance, the following suggestions can enable your loved one to stay at home comfortably for as long as possible.

Create a plan

Balancing immediate needs with future considerations is crucial. Managing day-to-day tasks alongside medical appointments and medication renewals is essential, all while considering potential challenges related to your loved one's health and age. While you can't predict everything, proactive planning allows for better emergency responses. Don't handle it solo; create a support network with family and friends.
  • Identify responsibilities and reach agreement. Inquire about each team member's willingness to aid in the person's care. Even those at a distance can manage tasks like bill payments, medication orders, and arranging medical appointments. Collaborate on a strategy with them.
  • Assess your own capabilities honestly. Determine what tasks you're comfortable handling. If direct caregiving makes you uneasy, such as assisting with bathing, explore if another team member can take over or discuss the possibility of hiring professional help.
  • Document the plan comprehensively. Having a written plan ensures clarity among all team members, including the care recipient, thereby minimizing confusion. Keep in mind that the plan may need adjustments over time; update it accordingly.

25 Dec

Posted at 23:44h in Aging, Author Interviews, Social Issues
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Sonja Hilbrand MSc Department of Psychology University of Basel Basel, Switzerland. MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Grandparenting is a topic of both great practical and theoretical interest. For instance, grandparents in industrialized societies invest substantial amounts of time and money in their grandchildren and there are many studies examining the potential benefits for these grandchildren. Other studies have focused on potentially negative effects on grandparental mortality associated with providing custudial care for grandchildren. In addition to previous research we wanted to ask whether there are tangible benefits to the donors (grandparents) of the resources. In other words, is caring a one-way street or not. In our study we examined whether moderate amounts of caregiving were associated with the longevity of older adults. For our analysis we used longitudinal data of over 500 German individuals aged between 70 and 103 years.