As our parents age, it often becomes necessary for adult children to help make decisions about their care and well-being—including whether to move them into a nursing home. This can be a difficult and emotional topic, especially when your elderly parent refuses to make the move. Disagreements like this can
Understanding Waivers In Pennsylvania, a waiver allows certain Medicaid rules to be “waived,” so people who qualify can receive care and support in their homes or communities instead of living in a nursing home or institutional setting. These programs are part of Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS). They help older
Spending time in the sunshine can brighten your mood, lift your energy, and make an afternoon feel special. A walk in the park, a few hours tending the garden, or a lakeside picnic can all be wonderful ways to enjoy the day. But for older adults, time in the sun
Choosing between hourly and live-in caregivers depends on your loved one’s needs, routines, and requirements. Hourly care is often best for those who need assistance for a few hours each day or at specific times, while live-in care provides continuous, round-the-clock support from a dedicated caregiver who resides in the
Worried about a loved one’s safety or well-being at home? Here are 10 important signs that indicate it might be time to consider a live-in caregiver for a senior family member. 1. Frequent Falls or Mobility Issues Unexplained bruises, difficulty getting up from chairs, or a reluctance to walk. Struggles
Government Programs & Rebates (Philadelphia & PA) 1. Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program Rebates of $380–$1,000 for renters and homeowners, with extra rebates up to $500 for eligible Philadelphians. Eligibility: PA residents 65+, widows/widowers 50+, or adults 18+ with disabilities. Income limit: $46,520. Apply here by December 31, 2025. 2. Senior
Sundowning, also known as sundown syndrome, refers to a state of confusion, agitation, anxiety, or aggressive behavior that typically occurs in the late afternoon or evening in older adults, especially those with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. In this article, we’ll explore what sundowning is, what causes it,
The OBRA Waiver is a program in Pennsylvania designed to help adults with severe physical disabilities live independently at home instead of in a nursing facility. This program offers various services to support daily living and promote independence. What Is the OBRA Waiver? The OBRA Waiver, named after the Omnibus
Living independently is a goal many individuals with physical disabilities strive for. In Pennsylvania, the Act 150 program serves as a vital resource, enabling eligible residents to receive necessary support while remaining in their homes and communities. LightSpring Home Care, based in Philadelphia, is proud to participate in this program,
Understanding Dementia and Alzheimer Disease Dementia is an umbrella term encompassing numerous neurocognitive disorders that arise when neurons malfunction or die. Alzheimer disease represents the most prevalent form. As the pathology advances, patients eventually lose the capacity for fundamental physiological activities such as ambulation deglutition and independent respiration. Presently no
As we age, our bodies undergo various changes, including how our immune system functions. For seniors, maintaining a robust immune system is paramount, as it allows them to enjoy the pleasures of life without illness getting in the way. One of the best ways to support your loved one’s immunity
Navigating the intricacies of utilizing Medicare or Medicaid to cover the costs of in-home care services can often feel like running through a maze of complexities and uncertainties. From understanding eligibility requirements to deciphering coverage options, the process can be overwhelming for individuals and families seeking assistance. At LightSpring Home
Caring for our senior loved ones is a responsibility that many of us cherish. As our parents or relatives age, we want to ensure that they receive the best care and support possible. While there are various options available, one approach that’s gaining popularity is hiring a live-in senior caregiver.
Are you or a loved one navigating the complexities of arthritis and searching for reliable statistics about this common yet often misunderstood condition? If so, you’ve landed in the right place. At LightSpring Home Care, we understand that knowledge is power, especially when dealing with a chronic condition like arthritis.
Elderly falls are a leading cause of injuries and hospital admissions among seniors, making them a critical issue in geriatric health and wellness. Understanding these statistics is vital for individuals, families, healthcare providers, and anyone involved in the care and well-being of older adults. This article serves as a one-stop
Parkinson’s disease is a long-term degenerative disorder primarily affecting the motor system. It’s an illness that impacts the individual and their loved ones, making awareness, understanding, and knowledge about the condition critical. This blog post aims to present comprehensive and up-to-date Parkinson’s disease statistics, which will help enhance your understanding
As the prevalence of dementia continues to rise globally, understanding the scale and impact of this condition is crucial. Dementia, a collective term for several neurological disorders, significantly affects memory, cognitive functions, and social abilities, posing substantial challenges to affected individuals, their families, and healthcare systems. This comprehensive guide offers
Alzheimer’s is a progressive neurological brain disorder affecting millions of people worldwide. With an aging population and an increasing prevalence of the disease, understanding Alzheimer’s statistics is crucial for both families and care providers. In this comprehensive blog post, we will discuss the prevalence and mortality of Alzheimer’s disease, the
When your loved one begins showing early signs of dementia, it’s best to begin making plans for their care right away—not only so you’re prepared when they need help to remain safe but also so you know how to budget for their care. Expense is often the number one concern
Family dynamics are always complex, especially as the parents begin to age and require care. All too often, these caregiving responsibilities fall mainly to one child, even if all of the adult siblings initially agreed to help in some way. When siblings don’t help with aging parents and leave you
As your senior family members begin to require assistance with daily tasks, you may feel a strong desire to care for them yourself. Being a family caregiver can be incredibly rewarding, and it’s a good way to ensure your loved ones receive high-quality care. However, many individuals can’t work and
As your parents age, they’ll likely require some kind of assistance to foster their health, safety, and overall well-being. While some individuals may be reluctant to accept help, it’s important to talk to your parents about your concerns and help them understand their options. For instance, your parents may immediately
Relationships can be complicated, particularly when adult children are responsible for aging parents if there’s tension, geographical constraints, or not enough time. If you’re thinking, “I don’t want to care for my elderly parents,” that’s okay. You can protect your peace without taking on the strain of day-to-day care interactions.
At some point in your loved one’s golden years, you’ll need to discuss their options for senior care. As they age, many seniors develop mobility issues and other conditions that make it unsafe for them to live alone—meaning they’ll require professional care or assistance to safely retain their independence. Understanding
In the early stages, those with dementia may need little or no help to continue thriving at home. They may be occasionally forgetful or require redirection, but they’re still able to care for themselves. As the disease progresses, however, it will be unsafe for your loved one to be left
At some point during their golden years, most people will require some level of long-term care. Nursing homes are often the first option people think of when planning for this stage of life, but seniors often refuse to go to a nursing home—and who can blame them? Few people want
Many seniors have spent years—or even decades—in their homes raising families, celebrating life events, and creating a fulfilling life for themselves. It makes sense that they’d want to remain there throughout their golden years. Leaving these spaces would mean the loss of their independence, privacy, and much of their community
Many older adults have a strong desire to age in a familiar place—which is both a reasonable and challenging thing to want. Though living independently offers a number of benefits, mobility and cognitive issues from arthritis and other age-related conditions make it more difficult for aging parents or other aging
As your loved ones age, you may be questioning what’s best for them in terms of their health and safety—especially if they begin to develop a disability or memory-related condition that makes it unsafe for them to remain alone at home. At this point, you and your family have to
Everyone wants to enjoy the comfort and independence of living at home, but age, disabilities, and chronic conditions can make doing so challenging—or even dangerous. With home care, you can remain at home safely while managing a long-term condition or recovering from a health issue. However, it can be overwhelming
Lower an Older Adult’s Risk for Alzheimer’s with These Five Healthy Lifestyle Choices It’s well known that a healthy lifestyle provides many benefits for older adults, but according to new research, healthy lifestyle choices have been shown to significantly lower the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. With the number of Americans
Learn About COPD and How to Help a Senior You Love Live with This Condition COPD has moved to the forefront of health conversations lately in light of the pandemic, as lung disease causes enhanced susceptibility to serious complications from COVID-19; and with nearly 16 million Americans battling the disease,
10 Questions to Ask When Searching for In-Home Care Searching for In-Home Care can be a big task. There are so many companies out there that provide In-Home Care services, so how do you choose one that is a reputable, safe, and reliable company that is also the right fit
3 Signs of Elder Financial Abuse A bank withdrawal that’s not remembered, a change in investments, increasingly confusing personal accounting. Are these just “senior” moments? Possibly. But they could also indicate some things more sinister. Elder financial abuse against those aged 65 or older constitutes 35 percent of all financial
3 Natural Therapies That Can Make You Happier Now more than ever, the idea of using alternative medicine and natural therapies is gaining more attention and appeal from doctors and clients alike. Both innovative and ancient holistic healing methods are becoming more popular thanks to their ability to reduce discomfort
The Importance of Flu Shots for Seniors For seniors aged 65 years and older, there’s never a good time to get the flu. And this year, that’s especially true. With coronavirus cases still on the rise, it’s more important than ever for seniors to take steps to protect their health.
The Impacts of Social Isolation on the Elderly During the Pandemic Social isolation and loneliness can be especially challenging for seniors during the pandemic. Learn ways to help keep seniors engaged, active and safe, right in the comfort of home. For nearly everyone, the coronavirus pandemic upended the way we
High Blood Pressure: How to Treat, Monitor and Medicate This Common Condition An Introduction to High Blood Pressure Everyone has heard of the term “high blood pressure” and everyone over the age of 45 fears the day when they might have it. But what really is high blood pressure? Where
Engaging Indoor Activities for Seniors at Home With COVID-19 cases continuing to rise in Florida and throughout the country, it’s clear that the safest place for older adults right now is at home. And while home does provide a necessary level of safety and security during the pandemic, it does
What is Chronic Inflammation and How Do We Stop It? Inflammation is the body’s response to stress, infection, or foreign substances and is a normal, healthy part of your everyday life. In a normal situation, inflammation is our friend. When your immune system senses foreign pathogens or particles, it sends
Skin Cancer Prevention Tips for Seniors Learn more about the importance of implementing sun protection steps into one’s everyday routine: Sunscreen – Sunscreen is a first line of defense that should be used daily. Even when outside, but not in the direct sun, sunscreen with an SPF of 15 should
Breast Cancer Awareness in the Aging Community According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women, as studies show that one out of eight women will be diagnosed in their lifetime. But did you know: 80% of all breast cancer occurs in
Three Simple Steps Toward Securing Your Retirement Finances Most retirees save tirelessly for their entire careers to set up a nest egg large enough to enjoy their golden years. They plan out their retirement finances, make conservative projections, and plan for both expected and emergency expenses. But what happens if
Understanding and Managing Diabetes in Seniors Living with and managing diabetes can be difficult, even for otherwise healthy individuals. However, managing diabetes in older adults can be an especially unique challenge. An estimated 14.3 million seniors are living with diabetes. Many older adults also have other health issues to deal
Adapting Everyday Activities to Keep Alzheimer’s Clients Active and Engaged When a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease or another form of dementia, you may start to notice some progressive changes in daily activity levels and engagement with regular pastimes. However, it’s vitally important to help Alzheimer’s clients stay
How Home Care Can Help Following a Cancer Diagnosis According to the American Cancer Society, in 2021, more than 1.9 million people will be diagnosed with cancer in the United States. Cancer treatment options vary, but most people have a combination of treatments, such as chemotherapy and/or radiation with surgery.
Practical Steps to Take When Aging Parents Need Help at Home Perhaps on a recent visit with your aging parents, it became apparent that keeping up with household tasks is challenging for them. Or maybe during a phone call, you realized that Mom is having some minor memory issues and
Discover Ways to Overcome Pandemic Fatigue in Seniors A year into the pandemic and it’s natural to feel tired of the restrictions that COVID-19 has created. While it’s been scientifically proven that face coverings, quarantine, social distancing, and frequent handwashing all play critical roles in slowing the spread of COVID-19,
Overcoming Caregiver Guilt When Providing Dementia Care In any given day in the life of a caregiver, a full gamut of emotions can come into play. Joy in hearing a senior loved one’s laughter. Pride in knowing you’re making a difference in the senior’s life. Frustration and stress when things
The Link Between Hearing Loss in Seniors and Cognitive Health To help maintain health, it’s important to visit the doctor regularly. For older adults with multiple health conditions, several physicians may be part of the senior’s healthcare team, working to keep chronic conditions monitored and under control. It’s no wonder
Tips to Help Manage Behavioral Challenges in Older Adults with Alzheimer\’s Your usually calm loved one suddenly starts shouting and swearing at you. You wake up in the middle of the night to find your father wandering down the street. Your mother suddenly feels confused and has trouble sleeping at
Top Tips for Attending a Healthcare Appointment with an Older Parent One of the many hats you may find yourself wearing as a family caregiver is accompanying your loved one to medical appointments. Seems simple enough, right? Yet there are a number of challenging dynamics and thoughts to consider to
Four Types of Exercises that Improve Older Adult Health and Physical Abilities Did you know that a well-rounded fitness routine is just as important as a well-rounded diet to maximize an older adult’s health and physical abilities? While older adults who remain active throughout aging reap several health and wellness
Helping Seniors with Chronic Health Conditions One of the most commonly made – and broken – New Year’s resolutions is to exercise more and eat healthier. For seniors with chronic health conditions (as many as 85% of older adults who are struggling with at least one, and 60% with at
Physical Therapy for Seniors: Helping Older Adults Remain Active We recommend helping the older adults in your life become more physically active (with doctor’s approval and exercise plan), and to engage the services of a physical therapist when warranted to improve quality of life and health. Physical therapy is a
Reduce Caregiver Stress and Increase Gratitude with These Tips We may have turned the calendar page on Thanksgiving, but there’s good reason to hold onto that attitude of gratitude, especially if you’re a family caregiver. A thankful heart is actually a great remedy for something you’re likely facing on any
It’s taken nearly 80 years and a slew of scientific studies to come up with the end result: wealth and a good genetic makeup really have little to do with our level of joy. The Harvard Study of Adult Development began in 1938, delving into the lives of such high-profile
The Importance of Good Nutrition for Older Adults One of the top concerns for family members is ensuring proper nutrition for the older adults they love. If you’re unsure whether an older adult you know is getting the nutrients he or she needs to stay strong, healthy and well, this
Top Ways for Seniors to Maintain Bladder Health It’s the size of a pear, can hold up to two cups of fluid, and will let you know in no uncertain terms when it needs your attention. It also changes as we grow older, making it all the more important to
6 Ways That Strength Training Can Help You Age Healthier Most people think strength training is for serious athletes. But working out to increase your muscle strength and build your muscles actually has some more surprising benefits besides just getting more toned. Strength training can actually benefit your heart more
Many people have left their New Year’s resolutions by the wayside by the end of January, but who says resolutions should only be made at the start of the year? There’s no time like the present to commit to a new habit or goal, especially for those looking to improve
If 2021 will be remembered as the year for COVID-19 vaccines, perhaps 2022 will make its mark with a different kind of life-changing vaccine: a vaccine for Alzheimer’s that may actually prevent or slow the progression of the disease. The first human trial of Protollin, delivered via nasal spray, is
Imagine for a minute how it would feel to struggle with the cognitive complications of Alzheimer’s disease. The family and friends who are closest to you are now unfamiliar. The words that would roll off your tongue without a second thought are now just out of reach. In fact, the
If your young son or daughter developed an illness, who would you call? It’s a no-brainer; many parents have the number programmed on their phone for the pediatrician they’ve carefully selected to oversee the health care needs of their children. Due to their specialized training, working with a trustworthy pediatrician
If there is one aspect that is constant in the race to solve the puzzle of Alzheimer’s, it is change. It seems as if any time medical researchers begin to get a grasp on one piece, new information shifts their hypotheses in a different direction. That’s certainly the case with
It began with your inner circle, those closest to you, and has gradually been spreading outward to good friends and acquaintances. Revealing your COPD diagnosis and knowing how to respond to the various questions that arise about it may be uncomfortable – for you, and for those you are speaking
Of the many challenging behaviors typical in dementia, possibly the most complicated to manage is aggression. A senior who has always been mild-mannered can abruptly lash out in outbursts which are truly terrifying: hitting, cursing, kicking, yelling, biting, or throwing things. How can you, as a family care provider, safely
It may have been suspected or perhaps broadsided you out of nowhere. Mom has just received the official diagnosis for a progressive disease that is going to make independent life difficult. While there are numerous unknowns, one thing is for sure: she is adamant about remaining at home – meaning
What inspires you to get up out of bed every day? The answer is different for every one of us, of course, however, there is one commonality: it may help you with living a longer life. Research is showing us that having a sense of purpose is an integral factor
If you knew that a much better quality of life could be achieved for a loved one, you wouldn’t hesitate to explore that option. Yet one of the most beneficial types of care – hospice care – is one that family members shy away from, because of a number of
If it feels like a senior loved one with Alzheimer’s and sleep problems has totally rewritten the rules on how and when to sleep, you are not dreaming. For reasons that are not yet completely understood, many people with dementia experience changes to their circadian rhythm, leading to drowsy days
Learn how to choose the best flu vaccine for seniors. While COVID-19 still dominates our overall health concerns, it’s important to remember that other illnesses can be just as problematic, particularly for seniors. Flu season is here, and it is time to make sure the older adults you love are
Learn how medication side effects in seniors can be similar to dementia symptoms. Confusion. Disorientation. Memory loss. While these are definitely symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease as well as other types of dementia, they can also be triggered by medication side effects in seniors. Before automatically assuming an inevitable diagnosis of
Caring for aging parents brings about a variety of emotions. If you were to name the top 5 emotions you experience while caring for aging parents, what would they be? Maybe you would first think of emotions like love, compassion, and sometimes, even stress or frustration. Would anger make the list?
Life, especially although not just during the pandemic, can be filled with uncertainness. For seniors who are feeling less in command of particular aspects of life, such as losing cognitive or physical functioning, concentrating on exactly what can be controlled is empowering. An excellent place to begin is by setting
Watch what happens at your next family gathering when a brand new mom places her infant in someone else\’s arms. The person is likely to transition immediately into baby mode: a sing-song, high-pitched voice, exaggerated facial expressions, and overly-simplified speech. Of course, this is perfectly normal and actually beneficial to
Distress. Fear. Embarrassment. The feelings surrounding discussing a dementia diagnosis with a doctor can cause older adults to keep their suspicions to themselves. A recently available AARP survey peeled away a few of the layers of emotion to get to the reason – namely, worry over losing independence and becoming
At some point you may be asking yourself “Should I ask my aging parent to move in with me?”. Deciding if you should move an aging parent into your home takes some thought. Here’s how to determine if it’s the right call.
Many older adults who are caring for an ill spouse are also too proud to ask for help, which then places the health and wellbeing of both parties at risk. To help ensure that doesn’t happen to you, use these caregiving tips from the experts.
When you’re not able to manage caregiver guilt, it can cloud your judgement, cause additional stress and anxiety, and eventually lead to burnout. To help ensure that doesn’t happen, learning how to avoid caregiver guilt is possible when taking these steps.
If you’re currently looking after an aging in place elderly parent, here are several effective ways to help protect them from being abused.
As a person ages, it’s not uncommon for them to start losing their appetite for one reason or another. But when that senior lives alone, a loss of appetite can cause rapid weight loss that quickly places their freedom and independence at risk. If you’re currently caring for an aging
Staying connected with your senior loved one is a challenge, even in the best of times. In the current crisis, older adults, especially seniors with underlying conditions, are at a higher risk for COVID-19 and can develop serious complications. Here are options that allow you to stay connected with your
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), roughly six million Americans aged 65-and-older have diabetes, with another 23 million seniors classified as being prediabetic. Unfortunately, many seniors with diabetes don’t even realize they have it. But left untreated, diabetes can cause serious health problems affecting the kidneys,
Millions of Americans live with urinary incontinence, an oftentimes embarrassing condition that causes their bodies to accidentally leak urine. Sometimes aging in place seniors with poor bladder control become less active and even socially isolated, which can place their health and well-being at risk. If you’re currently looking after a
National Nursing Assistants Week is June 18-24, making it the perfect time to thank the nursing assistants in your life for their contributions and service.
Although it’s not uncommon for the grieving process to take a while, if these signs haven’t gone away after several months, your loved one’s health and wellbeing can be placed at risk. Helping an aging parent cope with the loss of a spouse should go better when using this approach.
Your elderly mother was recently diagnosed with dementia, and you can see the disease changing her with each passing month. Because mom still lives on her own, you’d like to start planning some care for her in the event she becomes incapacitated.
Caregiving is not only physically demanding and time consuming, it can also have a detrimental effect on one’s emotional and mental health. In honor of Mental Health Month, here are 4 reliable ways for caregivers to stay mentally strong.
Many clients diagnosed with Parkinson’s are elderly, which is certainly concerning if you have aging in place relatives or friends. April is National Parkinson’s Awareness Month, which makes it the perfect time for you to learn more about the disease. Here are 5 Parkinson’s facts that you may not be
Under ordinary circumstances, elderly individuals who live independently are encouraged to stay socially active because it provides them with many health benefits. However, Americans of all ages are currently at risk for being exposed to coronavirus, or “COVID-19”. For that reason, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Your elderly father lives alone, and the last few times you’ve been over to his house there were medicine bottles strewn all over the bathroom vanity. Not only is it unsafe, you’re pretty sure that some of dad’s meds have special storage requirements. But whenever you’ve tried to talk to
Depression is quite common in seniors and if allowed to persist the physical and emotional toll upon their lives can be devastating. On the positive side, because depression isn’t a normal part of the aging process itself it is a very treatable condition.
If you’re currently looking after an aging in place loved one, knowing how to keep seniors socially active may not be one of your caregiving priorities. But countless studies have shown that it’s vitally important to do so to ensure that your loved one enjoys a better quality of life.
Your elderly mother still lives about two hours away in the home you grew up in. Ever since dad passed away two years ago, mom has been able to continue aging in place on her own. But lately her health has taken a turn for the worse. Mom’s always made
Many people use to-do lists when planning a vacation, home improvement project or for managing their personal finances. If you’re one of the millions of Americans who take care of an aging in place loved one, a to-do list is also important so that you can more efficiently balance those
One-in-four older Americans trip and fall every year, and falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries in the elderly population. If you’re currently caring for an aging in place loved one, helping them avoid a trip and fall will go more smoothly when using these prevention
Millions of elderly Americans are targeted by financial scam artists every year, and in many cases it’s their own family members who are involved. If you’re currently caring for an aging in place loved one, knowing how to protect seniors from financial scams is probably a priority. Thankfully, doing so
Providing care to an elderly loved one is a labor of love, but millions of family caregivers every year experience a condition called “caregiver fatigue”. Caregiver fatigue is common amongst members of the “Sandwich Generation”, or those adults who are caught in between raising children and caring for an elderly
Numerous studies have shown that regular exercise benefits people of all ages, including those 65-and-over. Sadly, millions of aging in place elderly Americans don’t exercise like they should, which eventually has a negative effect on their health and wellbeing. On the other hand, seniors who follow a good exercise routine
For the past 6 months you’ve been caring for your elderly mother while also working full time and raising two school-aged kids. As a member of the Sandwich Generation, trying to balance caregiving with a job and household can be overwhelming. However, it is possible when you take this approach.
Your elderly mother is having trouble performing simple tasks, and she’s locked herself out of the house several times. The other day mom went to the bank and couldn’t remember how to get back home. Mom’s forgetfulness has now reached the point you suspect she has dementia. What should you
Your aging in place elderly mother is chronically ill, so you’ve been serving as her sole caregiver for several months now. But between getting mom to her doctor’s appointments and treatments, and helping her around the house, you hardly have time to take care of yourself. You’re having trouble sleeping,
No matter where you live, you’re going to get some nasty weather from time-to-time. Inclement weather can take many forms, including tornadoes, hurricanes, thunderstorms, high winds and heavy snowfalls. Harsh weather can be especially hard on those aged 65-and-over who also live alone.
Serving as a family caregiver for an aging in place elderly loved one is highly rewarding, but it can also be physically and emotionally draining. The average family caregiver in the U.S. also juggles at least a part-time job and household with their caregiving responsibilities, which makes their lives even
If you’re currently caring for an aging in place elderly loved one with a hearing impairment, keeping the lines of communication open so you can provide them with the daily assistance they need can be quite challenging. Fortunately, there are several proven ways to do so, starting with these.
If you’re serving as a caregiver for a homebound senior, showing them how to more effectively use social media is one way to ensure a higher quality-of-life. In fact, sociologists have studied the positive impact of social media on seniors, and here’s what they found.