About ten years ago, while pursuing my bachelor’s degree in gerontological social work, the study of aging, I encountered a situation that would forever change the way I thought about caring for older adults. At the time, I was completing a six-month internship at the Huntington Beach Senior Center in California. I was placed in the case management division, where my role was to visit older adults in their homes, understand their needs, and connect them with the resources and

Ageism Awareness Day is a reminder to look beyond the assumptions we make about people as they grow older. Let’s take a closer look at four common stereotypes about older adults—and what the evidence actually tells us. 1. Stereotype: Older adults can no longer learn new things or maintain their abilities as they age. The reality: Learning and improvement can continue well into later life. There is a common assumption that getting older automatically means becoming less capabl

Caregiving can be tiring, stressful, and overwhelming. The physical and mental demands often stir up a wide range of emotions, and those emotions can lead to even more difficult ones, such as guilt, frustration, and resentment. For example, you might become frustrated when your loved one refuses your help. Then you may feel guilty for being frustrated. Before long, you're no longer dealing with just one emotion, you're caught in a cycle of frustration, guilt, and stress. When

For many people, a visit to the doctor is fairly straightforward. You have a health concern, your doctor asks questions and performs an exam or tests, and together you decide on a treatment plan. But healthcare can become more complicated as we get older. Managing chronic conditions, taking multiple medications, seeing different doctors and specialists, and balancing medical care with the things that matter most in everyday life can make it harder to know what to discuss duri

Online scams impersonating well-known companies have become one of the most common ways fraudsters target consumers. Few brands are impersonated more often than Amazon. Because so many people shop on Amazon and trust its name, scammers use that trust as a way in, sending fake messages designed to look like they're coming from the real company. Amazon is the second most impersonated brand by scammers, behind only Best Buy and its Geek Squad tech support brand. The Scope of The

As dementia progresses, communicating through words can become more difficult. A person may struggle to find the right words, explain how they feel, or tell you what they need. Sometimes, they may communicate through non-verbal ways like body language instead. The way they look at you, move their hands, position their body, or respond to your presence can give you clues about how they may be feeling or what they may need. For caregivers, learning to notice these signals can m

Every September, Healthy Aging Month provides an opportunity to celebrate the many ways older adults can maintain their health, independence, and quality of life as they age. Healthy aging encompasses much more than physical health. It includes mental, emotional, social, and financial well being, as well as the everyday habits that help older adults continue living fulfilling and meaningful lives. For many seniors, however, challenges such as mobility limitations, chronic hea

Labor Day may have passed a few days ago, but it's always worth recognizing the contributions of older adults and caregivers to the workforce. Labor for both groups is complex. It's full of challenges, but also strengths. Working Caregivers About 70% of family caregivers hold down a job on top of their caregiving duties. Many are navigating the day-to-day demands of a care recipient's specific health condition, which can add another layer of complexity to an already full plat

For many Californians, Medi-Cal is an essential source of health coverage. But beginning in July 2027, Californians who rely on Medi-Cal will face a dramatically tighter test to keep their coverage. Here's what's happening, why, and what you can do now to prepare. Please note that this article is intended as a general overview and is not a comprehensive guide to Medi-Cal eligibility or the new asset rules. There's a lot to cover depending on your individual circumstances and

We spend a surprising amount of our lives indoors. According to Dr. John La Puma, a physician and author of The Indoor Epidemic, about 93% of our time is spent indoors, leaving only about 7% outdoors. But even that outdoor time is often incidental such as walking to the car, getting the mail, or picking up a delivery. That leaves very little time spent intentionally outdoors. Dr. La Puma encourages people to spend time in green and blue spaces because being in natural environ

September is filled with awareness events that shine a light on aging, caregiving, safety, connection, and quality of life. These observances offer more than an opportunity to raise awareness. They’re a chance to start conversations and share helpful resources. Healthy Aging Month Healthy Aging Month runs throughout September and focuses on the physical, social, and mental habits that can support well-being as we age. For caregivers, September can be a good reminder to consid

A new diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or another condition associated with dementia can bring a long list of medical appointments and decisions. Dental care can easily get pushed down that list. In many cases, however, an early dental visit can be helpful. Here are some reasons why. 1.You can find out if the dental team understands their needs. While any dentist can provide routine oral care, some dentists and dental practices have more experience caring for people with Alzh

For many older adults, a senior center can be much more than a place to spend the afternoon. It can be a place to connect with others, stay active, enjoy new activities, and find help with everyday needs. Senior centers offer different programs and services depending on the community. Some provide meals, exercise and fitness programs, social activities, hobby groups, educational programs, and organized trips. They can also play an important role during extreme weather. Some s

August 21 is recognized as National Senior Citizens Day, a day to recognize and celebrate the contributions of older adults and the important role they continue to play in their families, workplaces, and communities. One contribution that often deserves more attention is volunteering. Older Adults Are Giving More of Their Time An analysis of volunteer data by NationSwell found that the share of total volunteer hours accounted for by people 65 and older increased substantially

Each year, about 1 million older adults are hospitalized because of falls. Falls can result in serious injuries, loss of independence, and, in some cases, even death. But many falls can be prevented by making simple changes to the spaces where we live and spend time. Take a look at the images and see if you can identify which space is safer and better reduces the risk of falls. In Image B, the floor is clear of clutter, while Image A has several objects scattered across the w

Sometimes, the hardest part of arranging care is not knowing what kind of care your loved one will need in the future. Sarah was starting to notice changes in her mom, Linda. She was still independent and wanted to remain at home, but everyday tasks were becoming a little more difficult. Cooking became more tiring. Keeping up with the house took more effort. Getting around safely wasn’t as easy as it used to be. Sarah knew her mom could use some extra support, but she wasn’t

Many individuals living with Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia experience sundowning. Symptoms of sundowning include confusion, anxiety, agitation, restlessness, hallucinations, or delusions. While the exact causes of sundowning vary, shadows can contribute to these symptoms. They may misinterpret shadows leading them to become even more stressed. Common Sources of Shadows at Home Many everyday items and lighting conditions can create shadows or visual distorti

Managing a loved one’s incontinence can be challenging. Managing a loved one's incontinence can be challenging. It can affect daily routines, confidence, independence, and quality of life for both the person experiencing incontinence and the caregiver providing support. One strategy that can help is scheduled toileting. What Is Scheduled Toileting? Scheduled toileting means creating a regular bathroom routine instead of waiting until a person feels the urge to urinate. This a

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, is a challenge that demands patience, preparation, and determination. The journey takes climbers across rough, rocky terrain, and even after reaching the summit, they must carefully navigate the difficult descent back down the mountain. For Dr. Art Ulene, the challenge was the perfect way to celebrate turning 90. The retired OB/GYN spent months preparing for the climb, building his strength and endurance through a training ro

Life is made up of countless moments, both big and small. Along the way, we build lifelong friendships, celebrate family milestones, enjoy quiet mornings with a cup of tea, and create memories that stay with us for years. Yet it's easy to overlook these moments. Our minds may often become occupied with daily responsibilities, worries, or the challenges that naturally come with growing older. Perhaps we've had to say goodbye to people we love. Maybe our bodies don't move as ea

This article was republished by Elder Love USA from The Conversation. As the only nonprofit agency in California offering home care services, we are dedicated to providing compassionate affordable in-home care. Our dedicated care professional can help you think through your options and explain what types of support may be appropriate based on your specific needs. All caregivers undergo thorough background checks and training with certification. Our rates are lower than o

We rely on depth perception constantly, often without even realizing it. It allows us to reach for a cup, step off a curb, sit down in a chair, climb stairs, and move confidently from one type of flooring to another. Depth perception is our ability to see the world in three dimensions. It helps us understand an object’s size, including its length, width, and depth, and judge how close or far away it is. This ability depends on the eyes and brain working together. The eyes gat

Extreme heat affects all of us, but older adults can be especially vulnerable when temperatures rise. Here are three reasons extreme heat deserves special attention from caregivers, family members, and neighbors. 1. The Body Handles Heat Differently With Age As we age, the body may not adjust to heat as efficiently. Older adults may sweat less, circulate blood less effectively, and hold on to more heat when temperatures climb. Some may also feel less thirsty, even when thei

Bed rails might be an obvious choice for caregivers who want to make an older adult’s sleeping area feel safer. But choosing the right safety equipment isn't always as simple as it appears. Before bringing a bed rail into the home, caregivers should understand what to look for, what questions to ask, and how to decide whether it is the right choice for their loved one. How Bed Rails May Help For some older adults, a properly selected bed rail can serve as a useful aid. It ma