Pneumonia in Elderly Adults: Prevention, pt 4

Seniors showing the symptoms of pneumonia should immediately seek medical help. Pneumonia can progress quite rapidly in elderly. When seeking medical help, doctors typically conduct one of the following tests to diagnose pneumonia: -- Taking a blood culture -- Measuring...

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Pneumonia in Elderly Adults: Prevention, pt 3

Seniors, along with family and their caregivers, can help prevent pneumonia through attention to a variety of activities and behaviors. Here is a brief list to keep in mind. -- Wash hands frequently. -- Stop smoking and limit exposure to...

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Pneumonia in Elderly Adults: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention, part 2

Pneumonia can be fatal in elderly adults. Seniors 65 and over are at an increased risk of death from pneumonia, especially if they have preexisting health problems. If a senior has chronic health conditions, like heart or kidney disease, pneumonia...

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Pneumonia in Elderly Adults: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention, part 1

Seniors are generally at higher risk for complications and death from pneumonia due to weakened immune systems. However, risk factors vary from person to person. If you suspect your elderly parent has pneumonia, see a doctor right away. It’s...

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Managing Sundown Syndrome, pt. 6

Managing an elder with Sundown Syndrome can be enriching, and undeniably frustrating. Nobody will tell you this gets easy. Some days and evenings will still be really hard. That’s the nature of dementia, not a reflection of your...

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Managing Sundown Syndrome, pt 5

Here’s the honest truth. This work is exhausting. It carries the emotional toll of watching someone you love experience dementia. You never quite know what each evening will bring. Your own life is put on "hold" while...

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Managing Sundown Syndrome, pt 4

The importance of sleep for elderly parents with dementia can not be overstated. Sleep deprivation makes Sundowning worse. Yet Sundowning itself disrupts sleep. You see the vicious cycle, right? Breaking this cycle means being strict about daytime sleep....

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Managing Sundown Syndrome, pt 3

So, it’s 6 p.m., and despite your best efforts, agitation in your elderly parent is building. What now? How do you manage a Sundowning episode? First, check your own stress level. The elder with dementia can pick...

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Managing Sundown Syndrome, pt. 2

It is very important to create a daily routine, and repetitive structure, for seniors experiencing Sundown Syndrome. When you are caring for someone with dementia, routines aren’t just nice to have. They are essential. The same wake-up time, same...

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Managing Sundown Syndrome, pt. 1

You recognize a shift in behavior. Around 4 p.m. or 5 p.m., your Mom or Dad, who were calm at lunch, suddenly can’t sit still. Or your elderly client starts asking the same question over and over, “When is...

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