The airline companies are always in the news. But lately, they have gotten headlines for the entirely wrong reasons. With the expansion of technology, every person owns a smartphone these days. Passengers can record videos during or before the flight. In recent times, we have more and more videos that show us that passengers aren’t always treated as they should be. Passenger service is not what it was or what it should be. Now, don’t be discouraged about flying—these incidents are separate and are few and far between, but they did put passenger rights under the spotlight.

As in every aspect of your lives, it is essential to know your rights. This can be crucial if you decide to travel by airplane with your senior loved one. Before boarding your next flight, make sure to understand what exactly you are entitled to.

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Senior Safety and Passenger Rights

The FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) devoted some of their effort to make flying more accessible for elderly adults. They improved and made it more comfortable for seniors by loosening up some of the rules that are strict for younger people. So if you are flying with older adults, here are some things that you should know before boarding an airplane.

Easier, Faster Screening

If you didn’t know, it is now possible to finish with screening faster if you are a senior. Adults older than 75 can keep both their shoes and jacket on while undergoing this process. Another perk that only the elderly are entitled to during screening is that they can be screened while seated.

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Medical Conditions

TSA rules are something that all elderly people should look into before they decide to fly. This especially goes if they have an illness or disability, require specialized equipment or medicines, or have any type of health condition. By visiting the TSA website, you can be informed in advance if they need to label medication bottles in any particular way. Another factor you should take into account is if your loved one has Alzheimer’s or any other type of dementia. If they do, you should inform the TSA agent at the checkpoint about the matter.

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FAA Approved Oxygen Concentrator

If you or your loved one is someone who might need oxygen during the flight, you’ll have to inform the airline in advance. Oxygen can become unstable due to cabin pressure. Some airlines, but not all, allow you to have an FAA-approved portable oxygen bottle by your side. But, as we said, not all airlines allow this, so you will need to talk to them prior to the flight. Most of the time they need at least 48 hours notice before you board. If your loved one needs to have an oxygen bottle by their side all the time, you will need to have a note from your physician to present to the TSA agent during the screening.

Wheelchairs and Electric Carts

Now, if your loved one needs to use a wheelchair or electric cart for navigation in the airport, they shouldn’t be worried by the regulations. The only thing you need to do is to book what you need before the flight and then confirm it one day before boarding. Unfortunately, there isn’t a guarantee that you won’t have to wait for one when you get to the airport, but by reserving them, you at least improve your chances. If you travel on a busy day, the wait is something that you need to expect.

Finally, one thing that we would love to recommend is TSA Pre-Check. By applying for it, you can schedule a ten minute in-person background check. You can apply online without visiting the airport or airline headquarters.

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Source: CareTips

Caregiving is not an easy job. It’s one of the most demanding jobs you will ever encounter. It requires all of your physical, emotional, and mental strength to perform it. These traits are the same for both family caregivers and those who get paid to do it. Furthermore, it will take a toll on the well-being of the person in the caregiver role. It is not uncommon for people who work as caregivers to develop health problems due to their calling. In many cases, caregivers start having issues with alcohol and substance abuse.

During their careers, more than 15% of professional caregivers will deal with various forms of substance abuse.

The things aren’t brighter for family caregivers. Considering there is 44 million of them, substance abuse is one of the main issues all caregivers encounter. At the moment, there are at least 10% of family caregivers who are considered substance abusers.

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What Leads a Caregiver to Develop Negative Behaviors?

Smoking, abusing alcohol, and substance abuse are the most frequent negative behaviors in caregivers, and they can be enhanced by various factors. The most common ones are the following:

• Fear and anxiety that appear when a caregiver is doubting that they are doing a proper job
• Stress from too many responsibilities coming their way
• Stress, negative emotions, and sometimes depression that appear when you witness the decline of a loved one
• Pain, which is sometimes a result of an injury suffered while doing caregiving duties
• Isolation from the outer world when you have a patient who demands non-stop attention
• Bitterness towards a sibling who isn’t helping you
• Anger directed at those who put you in a difficult situation
• An unhealthy surrounding with no one to help you

Source: pexels.com

Caregivers who are in the most danger of starting to abuse substances or alcohol are those who care for patients that have Alzheimer’s or any other form of dementia.

Recognizing the Signs of Alcohol and Substance Abuse in Caregivers

Caring for someone is not the same on the first day as the 100th. With time, duties pile up and problems start. Because of this, caregivers are often not aware that they are under stress or that have become anxious. Sometimes they spend months and even years isolated from others without knowing it.

In most cases, it starts with a glass of wine to lower the stress and relax. With the days, months, and years passing by, one drink turns into two, and two become four or five. Sometimes people get hooked on medications for insomnia or some other prescription drug. In more severe cases, caregivers start using medications which are intended for their patients.

Below, we are going to talk about some of the most visible signs that your caregiver might be misusing substances or alcohol. They are:

• Lethargy followed by sleepiness that is ever-present
• Constant presence of agitation towards everything
• Quick to anger and slow to calm down
• Weight gain or weight loss which wasn’t intentional
• Financial issues with an inability to justify expenses
• Use of alcohol or drugs as a means of passing a day

Recovery Programs for Caregivers

For family caregivers, giving them a break from their duties can help in dealing with addiction. But in most cases, it will take more than that. For a caregiver, it is essential to ask for help. Most homecare agencies have programs to help if a situation arises where a caregiver is using alcohol or other substances. The first step is the hardest and most obvious: ask for help.

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Source: CareTips

Sleep deprivation is common in the elderly and can lead to severe health problems.

Sleeping is essential for restoring the energy needed for everyday tasks. Without regular sleeping patterns, it is very difficult to focus on the world around you. Insomnia is also known to cause depression and memory loss.

According to studies conducted by the National Institutes of Health, around half of older adults aged 60 and above suffer from sleep deprivation. One night without sleep is not a problem, but the condition can last for weeks or even years.

The Amount of Sleep You Need Every Night

When we are babies, we tend to sleep up to 16 hours a day. These hours drop as we age, and in our teen years, the optimum is around 9 hours. Scientists state that an adult needs a minimum of 7 hours every night, and anything beyond 9 hours is too much. Older adults have the same needs, too.

The quality of sleep is as essential as quantity. The sleeping cycle consists of two main phases:

• Non-rapid eye movement phase
• Rapid eye movement phase

During the REM phase, we dream, and the eyes move around rapidly. The whole cycle lasts for about half an hour, and it repeats throughout the night.

In the elderly, sleep is not as strong as it used to be when younger. This means the REM phase is shorter, and this can gradually lead to poor sleeping habits.

What Causes Insomnia

Besides natural changes our body goes through, there are also other factors to be considered:

• stress
• alcohol consumption
• coffee intake
• smoking habits
• depression
• pain
• dementia
• medications

Stress is a common reason for sleeping issues. When you worry about something or someone, it affects your whole being. Also when you are in pain or suffering from depression or memory problems, it can make it difficult to fall asleep.

Drinking alcohol can help you doze off, but it has a negative impact on the REM phase. Anything containing caffeine will keep you awake at night and shouldn’t be consumed in the evening hours.

Have you started taking new medications and suddenly can’t fall asleep easily at night? Check out the list of side effects and consult your doctor.

How to Treat Sleep Deprivation

First and foremost, never take sleeping pills without consulting a physician. Sleeping pills may not be safe and can cause addiction.

Fighting insomnia is a process. Try to go to bed at approximately the same time every night. Also, there shouldn’t be huge differences in your wake time.

Choose a comfortable bed to sleep on. Make sure the room is not close to a busy street. Put the blinds down and turn off every light source.

Regular exercising helps fighting insomnia as well. However, be physically active at least 4 hours prior to bedtime.

Avoid coffee and alcohol before going to sleep. Huge meals should be eaten for lunch, not for dinner. If you like to take a nap during the daytime, it might mean you will struggle to fall asleep at night.

Insomnia is common in the elderly. It can’t be cured overnight, so you need to be patient and follow the instructions listed above. If possible, avoid sleeping pills. They can be dangerous—seniors can become dependent on them. Be physically active, establish regular sleeping patterns, make your bedroom comfortable, avoid caffeine, and you will be on the way to getting rid of insomnia.

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Source: CareTips

Have you started turning into an insomniac? You’re struggling to fall asleep every night, and it appears that nothing helps.

Continuous lack of sleep starts to affect your health and concentration. You may be finding it difficult to concentrate on your caregiving responsibilities and other tasks.

Sleep deprivation leads to an increased risk of numerous diseases and conditions. A person who gets less than 7 hours of quality sleep a day has a higher chance of developing cardiovascular disease, as well as diabetes. The risk of suffering from depression also rises.

Stress caused by caregiving and worrying about your loved one can have a negative impact on your sleeping habits. Learn to fight against sleep deprivation with these tips.

Exercise Regularly

You may think you are already tired enough from caregiving and other activities you do throughout the day. Why should you exercise?

Being physically active will help you easily fall asleep. Even walking in the park or wandering the streets can be considered an exercise. If you don’t have time to go to a gym or go jogging, think about how you can exercise in other ways. Why take an elevator when you can take the stairs? Why take a bus to work when you can walk?

It’s best if you can reserve time for exercising at least three times a week. It would mean a lot for your sleeping habits and overall health.

Reconsider Your Nutrition

Drinking coffee late in the evening will have a negative impact on your sleep. Eating sweets and drinking soda, too. Processed sugar has many bad effects on our health and should be avoided when possible.

Consider including walnuts and almonds in your nutrition. These nuts contribute to fighting against insomnia.  Also, fruits such as kiwi and banana help boost healthy sleeping habits. Any food that contains high levels of melatonin is good for your sleep. Chamomile tea before bedtime is also great.

Install a Caregiver Monitor

Are you constantly worried about your loved one? Keeping an eye on your older adult 24/7 is impossible. Therefore, adding monitoring devices into their room can give you peace of mind. Although you are not around, you will know when your senior needs assistance.

Prepare Everything the Day Before

Are you taking your loved one to a doctor tomorrow or perhaps to a hospital? To avoid thinking about whether you are missing anything, plan everything in advance. Put all the items your older adult will need on a list and pack everything the day before. This way you will worry less about it when you go to sleep.

Change the Place You Sleep

Your bedroom may also be one of the reasons you can’t fall asleep easily.

Is the room too bright? Turn off all the lights bothering you, put the blinds down, and buy an eye mask.

If the room is too hot, it is more difficult to fall asleep. Cool down the room temperature, and you will be sleeping in no time.

Too much noise is distracting. Thus, play soothing sounds on your smartphone that will cover the noise from outside. Calming music has a positive effect on falling asleep.

Tossing in bed when you can’t sleep can be frustrating. Follow these tips to ensure you get the maximum quality of sleep. The more relaxed you are, the better you will be able to help your loved one.

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Source: CareTips

This might not sound like medical advice, but seniors who take care of their looks have a better chance at being both happy and healthy. A big part of how good you are going to look is your hair. People who have beautiful hair tend to have more confidence while engaging others. Unfortunately, hair is one part of our body that shows the signs of aging most clearly. But if we decide to take good care of it, our hair can still be a part of us that makes us feel good about ourselves.

Use the Right Shampoo

With age, hair will lose its pigment and both gray and white hair could get an unhealthy yellow color. This happens to all hair that loses pigment. When this happens, hair starts to gain the color of all the foreign materials that it collects. The main reason why our hair starts to look yellowish is because of all the pollutants in the water and air. This especially goes for people who smoke. But these stains can be removed if you decide to use a deep-cleaning shampoo. This type of shampoo needs to be made with a blue or violet color so that it can neutralize yellowness on white and gray hair.

Source: pixabay.com

Strategies to Make Older Adults’ Hair Look Good

For seniors that start losing their hair, the first step would be not to talk about that or put it under the spotlight any other way. One thing that older adults can do is to apply hair products. Products that will return the volume to your hair, such as thickening shampoos, are ideal if you want to do this. If you used gels or mousse in the past, you should avoid them when your hair starts to fall out, as they could expose your scalp.

If your scalp is already showing, you should look to put the rest of your hair to the back and on the sides, so an equal amount of scalp will show from each direction. Try to arrange it symmetrically—it will give the impression that the area of thinning is smaller than it is. For those that have extremely thin hair, shaving could be a solution. Pulling this move will give you a more masculine look. It is also better to get it over with fast, rather than to wait for it to slowly fall out. Furthermore, if hair thinning is your issue, you should avoid keeping your hair long. With longer hair, the thinness will be more visible.

Source: pixabay.com

A Hair-Healthy Diet for Seniors

Most things, such as genetics, age, and hormones can’t be controlled to help regarding your hair. One thing that can help your hair through the years is a proper diet. If your goal is to have healthy hair, then you should consume almond butter, tangerines, spinach, salmon, eggs, and oatmeal. Nutrients such as Vitamin E, C, and B12, along with iron and omega-3 fatty acids, can all be found in these ingredients and are extremely beneficial for hair health. They promote hair growth and reduce hair loss at the same time.

Caregiver Tips for Styling Senior Hair

Keeping your hygiene in order requires daily care. But for your hair, it is better to skip washing it for one or two days a week. If you do this, you give the oil that piles up on your scalp a chance to remain. If you didn’t know, these oils are what makes your hair thicker. They moisturize the scalp, which can be disabled by washing your hair every day. If you are a caregiver of a dementia patient, you can freely skip washing their hair on a bad day, because you will do them a double favor. For one, they will be calmer if they don’t wash it that day, and second, it’s good for their hair.

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Source: CareTips

More than 3.9 million Americans have been diagnosed with hepatitis C. But many more live without realizing that they have this disease. In some cases, hepatitis C lives in an organism for ten years before finally showing symptoms. When the first signs appear, this virus has already caused irreparable damage. But if you get tested for this condition frequently, you can avoid suffering from the consequences that come with hepatitis C. This is especially important for older adults because they comprise 75% of all hepatitis C cases.

What Is Hepatitis C?

Let’s start at the beginning by answering what is hepatitis C. It is a liver disease which is created by a virus that we can be infected with. If it’s not treated in time, it can lead to conditions such as cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer. The most dangerous thing about hepatitis C is that it’s causing damage to our body without us knowing. This happens because, in its early stages, this virus shows no signs. The first symptoms that appear are yellow skin and fatigue. But when this happens, it can already be too late. For those that start suffering from irreparable cirrhosis, the damage is already done, and their liver may never fully recover.

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Seniors at Risk

The generation of seniors which is in the most danger from hepatitis C includes all people born between 1945 and 1965. According to research conducted by the CDC, this group of people is most prone to the condition.

There are many reasons for this, although it is not completely clear. It has much to do with the fact that medical equipment wasn’t wholly sterilized until the ’80s. All hospitals started doing this only after the HIV scare of the 1980s. What’s even more frightening, donated blood and organs intended for transplanting weren’t tested for hepatitis C before 1992.

Getting Tested

The test for hepatitis C is simple. It just includes screening your blood for hepatitis antibodies. This test can determine two things. The first one is if you have an active virus in your body. The second one is whether you have been infected with hepatitis C during your life. For those patients in which it was found that they had this condition earlier in life, secondary testing will be performed. The second test will look for an active virus. It only takes a few weeks to undergo these tests.

In all recorded cases of hepatitis C, it has been documented that 15% of patients will fight off this virus without any medication. This is called a spontaneous clearance. This occurrence is more frequent in woman than in their male counterparts. Because of this, men are more prone to the condition, while women will test positive at first with negative results coming later.

Becoming Infected

In most cases, this virus is spread by contact with infected blood. It’s good to know that things such as kissing, coughing, sharing food, or other forms of casual contact can’t cause hep C. It can be transferred through sexual intercourse, but if you are monogamous and use condoms, the chances of getting it are reduced. If you want to stay clear of HCV you shouldn’t use other people’s toothbrushes, nail clippers, or other items of personal hygiene.

Source: pixabay.com

Treatment for Hepatitis C

In the past, there weren’t many successful treatments for this condition. Some antiviral medications can lower the damage done to the liver, but in most cases, a transplant is the only solution. Luckily, in 2014, a cure was finally discovered. With one small flaw: it’s rather expensive. It costs between $50,000 and $90,000. So the best way to avoid this condition is to get tested before damage to the liver is done.

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Getting criticized by other people is rather unpleasant. Some people don’t understand everything that your family is going through and unreasonably disgrace your efforts. It is even worse when your family members don’t appreciate you as a caregiver.

Such comments can make you feel bad, although you don’t deserve such treatment. On top of that, you may suffer from burnout and feeling stressed. This combination emotionally and mentally disturbs you, and you don’t know how to get back on track. You begin to judge your actions and question everything you do.

First, stop judging yourself as a caregiver. It is important that you and your loved one know you are doing everything in your power to make their life easier. Then think about these 3 ways to respond to caregiver criticism.

Ask Them for Suggestions

There are people who like to patronize. Why don’t you do it this way instead? It would be better if… I think you don’t have a clue what you are doing.

If such critiques are repeated by the same person, ask them what they suggest you should do. Explain to them the whole situation, don’t let them judge with superficial information. Don’t be defensive when they start criticizing, and be open to suggestions. Perhaps they have some meaningful advice. Put them in your shoes, and ask how they would do it if they were you. This will surely surprise them, and your discussion will continue in a different tone.

Let People Know They Hurt Your Feelings

Sometimes people accidentally hurt your feelings. Even I sometimes say things that hurt others before thinking twice. You never know how sensitive people are or what battle they are fighting.

Every time someone’s words make you feel uneasy, tell them honestly how you feel about it. Don’t keep everything inside. These things accumulate and lead to caregiver burnout. Your mental condition will suffer, and you will start breaking down emotionally. People sometimes don’t understand the burden on your shoulders. Let them know about it.

However, there are also evil people in this world who will deliberately hurt you. They don’t care about others’ feelings and have zero empathy. Such people are better to avoid.

Don’t Lose Your Temper

You can be frustrated due to a bad day and the things that have been bothering you for months. You are tired of hearing what you should do. No one understands what you feel, and there is no one to offer a hand. You run into a friend, and the first thing she does is criticize how bad a caregiver you are.

In this situation, it is easy to snap. However, try not to lose your temper. This will make the situation even worse. Take a deep breath and count to ten. Wasting your energy won’t help. Then try to handle caregiver criticism in the ways mentioned above.

People like to judge and patronize without having the complete picture of a situation. Try not to lose your temper. Take a deep breath and calm down. Tell people how you feel about it and that they hurt your feelings. Don’t keep everything inside.

If they keep telling you that you are a bad caregiver, ask them for a suggestion. Ask them what they would do if they were you. Explain why the suggestion doesn’t work, or thank them if the advice is beneficial to you.

Being a family caregiver is not always easy, and other people shouldn’t make it even more difficult.

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Retiring from work can be tough. You now have a lot of free time, which you aren’t used to. Many people feel down, because their life is entirely changed. However, it is time to start seeing all the benefits of retirement.

First of all, you can devote your time to things that are more meaningful to you. You have time to do everything you love. There are no more tight deadlines you need to meet. You are finally the master of your time.

According to studies, people are happier and less stressed in retirement than when they had a job.

So what can you do once you retire?

Here are some activities older adults usually enjoy.

Travel

Have you dreamed of traveling around the globe or perhaps across America? Nowadays, almost everyone speaks English, and visiting another country shouldn’t be a problem in terms of getting around.

Do you like camping? In the US there are a number of amazing camp sites. It is easy to get lost in the woods, regardless of the state. You can even rent a trailer and travel across many states. Have you ever tried taking Route 66? On the way from Illinois to California, you can see some of the best parts of the country.

If you are not that adventurous, but still like exploring new places, book a cruise. The number of cruising companies has increased, and they often offer discounts to seniors.

Find a Hobby

Think about your interests. What are the activities you truly like to do? You don’t need to be good at them. Over time you will learn more about it and get better.

There is an infinite number of things you can do:

• play an instrument
• read books
• write
• paint and other art forms
• hike in the nature
• dance
• start a brewery
• sail
• sing in a choir
• photography
• have a small farm

Find your passion and go for it! Don’t let anything stop you from enjoying activities you love.

Learn New Skills

With the internet, the opportunities are endless. Are you interested in studying a new language or perhaps learning more about quantum physics? With the rising number of online tutors, YouTube videos, surveys, and theses published online, you have everything at your disposal.

Learning new skills is not only enjoyable, but also helps your brain stay healthy. It also has a positive effect on preventing dementia. This especially refers to studying a foreign language or learning to play another instrument.

Volunteer

Volunteering is perfect for staying socially connected and having a sense of purpose. It also reduces loneliness and contributes to fighting depression. Learn more about the benefits of volunteering here.

Play Sports

Need an activity to stay healthy, but prefer to do something fun? Get involved in your favorite type of sport or try a new one. It can be interesting to play something you haven’t tried before. Playing sports is also great, because you engage other people and connect with other seniors with the same interests.

• horse riding
• tennis
• bowling
• squash
• basketball
• volleyball
• soccer
• table tennis

There is even an association which organizes national senior games. Being over 55 doesn’t mean you can’t compete. Not only it is healthy but loads of fun too.

There are plenty of possibilities when you retire, and these are only a few of them. Don’t sit in front of a TV all day. Put your shoes on and go out. The world is waiting for you to discover it.

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Planning a vacation, but you are not sure if your siblings are willing to take care of your parent? Respite care is the type of care you need.

Respite care is a short-term break for families who take care of one or more family members. Although it is beneficial for a family caregiver to take a short break from caregiving, many hesitate to hire another caregiver. They worry about how their loved one will react to a complete stranger.

This is a common situation, and many caregivers wonder what to do to better prepare seniors for respite care. You may perform several actions to support your senior so they won’t feel awkward when a caregiver arrives:

Let Your Older Adult Meet a Caregiver in Advance

Once you choose a caregiver from an agency, ask him or her to come over for a coffee. When seniors meet caregivers in advance, they will have more confidence. A meeting is also great for discussing the expectations and responsibilities. They can learn a lot about your loved one and see in person what they are expected to help with.

Make Their Room More Comfortable

If their mobility is limited, creating a comfortable atmosphere in the room is essential. Place a framed family photo by their bed. Bring several books or movies if they prefer. Perhaps they like crosswords or magazines. Anything that will fulfill the time while you are away is welcome.

Make sure they have everything for personal care, too. Toothpaste, shampoo, moist wipes, etc. Place a warm blanket in their room and put proper clothes in the wardrobe. Ask them if they lack anything, so you can provide it before going on vacation.

Organize Meetings With Other Family Members

Your siblings and other family members may be too busy to take care of your older adult, but this doesn’t mean they can’t visit them once in a while. Talk to them and see if they are available when you are away. One-hour visits won’t take too much time, and your senior will feel less lonely.

It is great if they live nearby, but the problem is if the whole family is on the other side of the country. Think about your senior’s friends who are in the neighborhood, and see if they are willing to stop by. A caregiver will always be there for conversation, but it is also good to have someone that they have known for years or even decades.

Visit Them Often

If you are not planning a vacation, but only want to take a break from caregiving, call your parent and visit them often. Bring a meal so you can eat together. You can also watch a movie or listen to their favorite music. Tell your older adult about other family members and what they are doing. Make plans together for what you will do in the near future. It is always good to have something to look forward to.

Follow these tips to support your older adult during respite care. The transition will go smoothly, and they won’t notice you’re gone. You will be back to take care of them in the blink of an eye.

Respite care is also a great thing if you want to find a permanent caregiver. Short-term caregiving is a great way to introduce the whole process to your loved one, so they won’t be too repulsed when you ask them to hire a caregiver.

If you are still feeling uneasy about leaving your loved one, read more about how to vacation without feeling guilty.

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Source: CareTips