September 20, 2012 by Carefect Admin

Elder Abuse (Part 3 of 3) – Reporting and Preventing

According to research done by Statistics Canada, elder abuse has risen by 14 precent since 2004. For every case that is reported, numerous other cases are not. Abuse and neglect can have lifelong consequences on the victim and often result in an early death. Since most elder abuse is perpetrated by family or friend caregivers, it is essential that it will be prevented before it begins and reporting it if it is happening. Three things you can do to help prevent elder abuse: You can listen to seniors and those...

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September 17, 2012 by Carefect Admin

Elder Abuse (Part 2 of 3) – Signs, Risks and Consequences

Elder abuse is a serious subject that no one likes to talk about, but it happens every day. Most of the time, the abuse is committed by a friend, acquaintance, or a family member. It can happen as a result of frustration either at the senior or from something else going on in the abuser’s life. It causes lasting effects for the victims that are difficult to recover from. Signs of abuse Three main signs of abuse include sudden changes in the senior’s appearance, sudden increase of physical injuries, or...

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September 13, 2012 by Carefect Admin

Elder Abuse (Part 1 of 3) – What and Who

Elder abuse is one of those things we don’t like to think about happening to people we know. However, it is a situation that occurs far more often than we would like to admit. It’s important as a caregiver for your senior family member that you understand what it is and what happens as a result. Statistics Involving Elder Abuse According to information conducted by Statistics Canada, violence against seniors increased by 20 percent in between 1998 and 2005. This is just the number of cases that were actually reported...

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September 3, 2012 by Carefect Admin

What You Should Know About Hip Fractures in Elderly

Chances are pretty good that you either know someone or have heard about someone who has had a hip fracture. Nine out of ten hip fractures happen to someone over the age of 60 and it is a common occurrence for people as they get older. More women than men end up with hip fractures, but it can occur in both genders. Risk Factors for Hip Fractures Due to increasing balance issues, seniors are more likely to fall. This can result in different fractures, including one of the hips. Eyesight...

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July 26, 2012 by Carefect Admin

Tips on Safe Medication Management for Seniors

One of the biggest challenges for seniors and their family caregivers is managing the medication that they must take. Frequently, seniors have to take multiple medications throughout the day. It can be difficult for them to remember to take it at the correct time or they may take it too often if they forget that they already had taken their medication. Seniors can also take more than the prescribed amount of medicines or the recommended amount of over-the-counter medication. This can cause everything from feeling tired and groggy or nauseous...

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July 19, 2012 by Carefect Admin

How to Deal with the Loss of Your Senior Loved One

When you’ve been taking care of a senior parent or family member and they are suddenly gone, it can leave a void in your life. You have spent so much time focusing on them and now you are left with only the grief. People who have never experienced this do not realize how difficult it can be to get on with your life. Dealing with Grief If you were the primary caregiver for your loved one, the grief can be different than for other people. You will experience a wide...

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July 16, 2012 by Carefect Admin

Losing a Loved One: Dealing with Grief

Death is a natural part of living that everyone faces at some point in their lives. As we get older, it comes more often. For seniors, they may face it on a regular basis as they lose friends their age and family members. The toughest loss can be the death of a spouse. Going Through the Stages When researching this subject, you will find different models on the different stages of grief. These stages are often broken down into five to seven stages and some of them may overlap. Here...

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July 12, 2012 by Carefect Admin

Communicating with Loved Ones When They Can No Longer Talk

Several diseases can cause your loved one to lose the ability to communicate through speech. This is a tragic and difficult event for both the senior and their family members. However, you can learn new ways to communicate and show your love. Causes of Speech Loss A stroke that causes permanent damage to one side of the body can make speech difficult. When the person tries to speak, it may not be understandable; therefore, they quit trying to talk. This is the opposite reaction than what is recommended by doctors...

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July 5, 2012 by Carefect Admin

How to Deal with Hoarding in Seniors

Many people like to collect things, from trinkets to photos and other mementos. However, when collecting becomes hoarding it can be dangerous and hazardous to a senior’s health. While hoarders are a tiny portion of the population, many of those who hoard are over the age of 55. What is Hoarding? Hoarding is a compulsive behavior that cannot be controlled; it may result from a mental or emotional disease that is often unknown. It can also stem from anxiety or loneliness. Seniors who are hoarders are often embarrassed by the...

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June 28, 2012 by Carefect Admin

Tips for Managing Diabetes

Diabetes can be a difficult diagnosis for a senior and their family to hear, but it does not have to be devastating. It is manageable and can be controlled with a few lifestyle changes. Seniors who have the disease can still live full, healthy lives if they are aware of certain tips. Caregivers who provide ongoing care for family members also need to know these tips. Exercise Regular exercise can help keep diabetes under control, but it can be difficult for some seniors to maintain. Due to health issues, they...

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