“My sisters and I have been taking turns looking after my father, but his needs are more than we can handle. We are ready to hire a caregiver, but honestly, we aren’t sure how to do it. Do you have any advice for finding a caregiver who is qualified and compassionate?” – Shelly from Austell

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You and your sisters should be commended not only for your commitment to your father’s care, but also for the ability to recognize when you need help. Finding a caregiver requires a bit of legwork and some reflection to know what qualities are important to you as well as what assistance your loved one requires. […]

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“I recently moved my mother down here to be near me, and it’s like she has one cold after another. She was always healthy, and I am worried that her immune system can’t handle the change in environment. She’s just miserable with all the sneezing! Do you have any advice?”-George from Sandy Plains

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It’s springtime in the South, and that means warmer temperatures, longer days, and blossoming plants. Your mother may not be having problems with frequent colds; her symptoms could be caused by allergies. Many seniors with allergies may be misdiagnosed or undertreated because caregivers and health care providers tend to focus more on other health conditions. […]

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“I’ve been thinking a lot about habit changes lately as I watch my father struggle with controlling his heart condition. We have a strong family history of heart disease, and I would love any tips to help my father now as well for me in the future. What can you tell me about improving heart health for seniors?”-Marshall from Lawrenceville

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Considering that heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women over 65, you are doing yourself and your father a lot of good by changing habits now. Heart health for seniors is on lots of people’s minds because almost everyone will be affected directly or have a loved one who suffers […]

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“This cold weather has been a real challenge for my mother. She has more difficulty staying warm and getting out. I am worried about how winter is affecting her health, to be honest. Can you share a few tips to keep her comfortable and warm this time of year?” -Beverly from Newnan

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  You are right to be concerned. Winter safety for seniors should be a priority for caregivers and family members to ensure their loved ones remain healthy when the temperatures drop. Besides the obvious hazards of slipping and falling on ice, hypothermia, when body temperature drops below a normal range, is a real risk for […]

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“I hate to admit it, but I am already dreading the holidays. There’s so much to do, and on top of that, I have to figure out how to include my father in the festivities. Do you have any advice to make the holidays with seniors easier?”-Louisa from Mountain Park

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You are not alone; many people find the stress of the holiday season overshadows the joy they think they should be having. Your stress level can be compounded by spending the holidays with seniors who may be struggling as well. The answer to your question is simple: simplify your holidays. Where to Begin Imagine a […]

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“I am happy to help care for my mother, but she worries that she has become a burden on my sister and me. I want to help her feel a part of this holiday season without any guilt. Do you have any suggestions for ways we can express gratitude that have real meaning?”- Barbara from Smyrna

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Is there any better demonstration of love than caring for another person who needs help? Your mother may have held that role of caregiver on and off throughout her life, so she may understand the selflessness and work that goes into it. Even if you enjoy taking on that responsibility, you should be thanked for […]

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“My father recently fell in his home and hit his head. He has recovered, but I am concerned that it will happen again. What can I do to keep him safe at home?”- Karen in Toco Hills

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Falls are no joke, and if your father recently took a tumble, you are right to be concerned. The National Council on Aging reports that the leading cause of injuries in people over 65 are falls, including broken bones, hip fractures, and head injuries. Fall prevention for seniors should be on everyone’s radar, and we […]

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“I can barely stand to visit my mother lately. Her home was never spotless, but now the piles of stuff seem to have taken over all of her living space. I am scared that she is going to get trapped, and we won’t be able to get to her. I am at my wit’s end! What can I do?” – Lorri from Roswell

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Unchecked clutter can indicate a physical or mental health issue. They may be holding on to papers because they do not understand what is essential and what can be tossed. They may also have sentimental attachments to photos, mementos, cards, and other items that represent a time when they were happy, healthy, and independent. Sound […]

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“I can’t convince my father to use his air conditioning every day, and I am worried about him. I can barely stand visiting because it is so hot inside his house. Do you have any advice for me and my stubborn dad?”- Lucille from Tucker

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You have every reason to be alarmed. Seniors overheating is a serious concern; according to the CDC, 40% of heat-related fatalities in the US are people over 65. Southerners may be accustomed to hot summer temperatures, but when the humidity increases the heat index, the risk of hyperthermia in elderly people can skyrocket. Senior Vulnerability […]

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“My mother has been complaining about pain for a few weeks from a rash she had. The rash is mostly gone, but she doesn’t seem to feel much better. I assumed it was heat rash because of the warmer temperatures, but now I don’t know what to think. I hate to put her through the hassle of going to the doctor for a disappearing rash. What do you think?”- Carrie from Conyers

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  A trip to the doctor is in order to diagnose and treat your mother’s discomfort. It does sound quite a bit like shingles, which affects many older Americans. At least fifty percent of people will experience shingles by the time they reach the age of eighty, although it can also affect younger adults, so […]

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