Eldercare Violence: Causes and Solutions
Am I the only one who has noticed an uptick in adult children killing their elderly parents? Violence by caregiving children against parents has many layers. Nationwide, the statistics indicate that adult children caring for their loved ones are increasingly overwhelmed, a major reason. In the caregiving space, the term “overwhelmed” has many stages. It’s a feeling […]
If You Don’t Control Your Blood Pressure…It Will Control You!
A chronic health condition I want to talk about in this article is high blood pressure, also called hypertension. My nursing sorority, Chi Eta Phi, Houston Chapter, participated in a health fair this weekend. We taught participants about reading nutrition labels, choosing healthy foods, managing medications, and controlling blood pressure. What worried me most was […]
Constipation Can Kill: Pay Attention to Bowel Habits
A not-so-often topic is constipation. While it has been noted as an obvious occurrence in our elderly loved ones, it is dangerous and deadly. Many factors play into constipation. Chronic health conditions(stroke, Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, dementia), medication, lack of dietary fiber, inadequate nutrition, physical inactivity, and poor hydration are all underlying reasons. The potential for […]
Dynamics of Informal Family Caregivers
Caregivers have gained national attention because family members have been and will continue to be the primary care providers. The urgency of caregiving is more pressing than ever. Even with the established National Family Caregiver Support Programs, qualifying for them can be challenging. Much research shows that providing care to a loved one harms one’s […]
Summer Heat: Lethal for the Elderly
Loving our elderly loved ones is the greatest gift on earth. Keeping them safe during summer heat is vital. While the news is filled with heartbreaking accounts of children left in cars, they’re not the only ones in danger. Your elderly loved one might say they are fine being left in the car, but it’s […]
Minority Mental Health: You Are Not Alone!
Minority Mental Health Awareness is observed every July. It is a national campaign that brings awareness to the struggles of mental health in communities of color. While mental health is a focus everywhere today, minority populations face unique challenges and stigma. African American communities are among the largest groups least likely to seek mental health […]
Engaging Loved Ones in the Reality They Once Knew!
I had often heard that getting older can be a blessing or a curse. The mindset is typically based on lived experiences. Our loved ones once enjoyed a life of independence and, for some, employment until retirement. Then they experience sickness, and their health falls into the hands of family and sometimes friends. Part of […]
Elders with Cognitive Decline: Do You Have a Power of Attorney?
One of my goals as a consultant and proactive caregiver advocate is to educate families to put in place essential documents that could save time and resources. A Power of Attorney is one such document, necessary when a loved one shows signs of cognitive decline. As a caregiver, handling the business affairs of those in your care […]
Men’s Health Month: Your Health Matters!
Before the month ends, we must discuss men’s health. June aims to raise awareness of preventable health issues affecting men. It is imperative because more men have become caregivers to their spouses. Managing their health requires having the capacity to assist with caregiving duties. Many male caregivers face heart disease, cancer, mental health issues, and […]
The Meaning of Juneteenth For Our Elders!
Celebrating Juneteenth carries remarkable meaning for our elders within the African American community. Many have stood the test of time and tell the stories of historic men and women whom we now stand on their shoulders. The struggle and resilience should always remind us that the journey for freedom and equality continues, even today. Each […]