Senior Medical Care

If you’re noticing that a loved one with dementia is sleeping more during the day, you’re in good company. Oversleeping in dementia is extremely common, and it can leave you wondering what’s normal and what’s not. One day, they seem engaged and alert, and the next, they’re dozing off mid-morning and struggling to stay awake through the afternoon.

It’s important to recognize that oversleeping in dementia is often a natural part of how the condition progresses. Still, that doesn’t make it any easier to watch. When someone you care about is spending more time asleep than awake, it can feel like you’re losing opportunities for connection. The good news is that there are reasons behind these changes, and there are ways to gently support more balanced, wakeful time during the day.

Factors Influencing Increased Daytime Sleepiness

• Changes in … Read More »

Yesterday, the Press Democrat ran an informative article about the increase of scams specifically targeting seniors. It is mind blowing that national data shows that scams targeting older adults have quadrupled in the last four years!

Them come in quick, seeming legit, and prey on emotion. So, we should always take pause, verify information, and include a trusted party in any questionable situation.

Check out the article for more valuable information, and when in doubt… tell someone! It’s important that we ALL work together to keep our seniors safe from scams!

~HHH

Scams targeting elders are on the rise: Here’s how to stay safe

Understanding conditions that mimic dementia can help you find answers and treatments you might not otherwise consider.

When someone you love begins showing symptoms like confusion, memory loss, or difficulty with everyday tasks, it’s natural to fear the worst. Dementia is often the first explanation that comes to mind. But what you might not realize is that there are conditions that mimic dementia, conditions that look almost identical at first glance but may actually be treatable. That means the changes you’re seeing may not be permanent, and the future may be far more hopeful than you think.

Having a parent with Parkinson’s means learning to adapt and grow in ways you may have never expected.

Having a parent with Parkinson’s disease changes life in ways you never quite expect. The diagnosis changes routines, relationships, and even the way you think about time. At first, it may feel overwhelming. There are so many questions and fears about what the future will look like. Yet, alongside those challenges come unexpected lessons. People who have been there often find themselves developing greater strength, resilience, and compassion than they ever thought possible.

Don’t let the fear of falling in older adults hold back someone you love from living life to the fullest!

Aging brings wisdom, perspective, and cherished memories—but it can also bring new worries. One of the most common concerns is the fear of falling in older adults. While understandable, this fear can quietly steal independence, limit activity, and lead to feelings of isolation. In fact, many people avoid walking outdoors, exercising, or even socializing because they worry about losing their balance.

When Mom is discharged from the hospital, keep an eye out for a condition known as post-hospital syndrome.

The moment Mom is discharged from the hospital, you exhale, believing the toughest part is finally behind you. But instead of bouncing back, she seems drained, anxious, or even weaker than before. She’s struggling with simple tasks, isn’t sleeping well, and feels overwhelmed.

This wasn’t how you pictured recovery. Instead of a turning point, it feels like she’s slipping backward.

What’s going on?

The Unexpected Challenge of Post-Hospital Recovery

Leaving the hospital doesn’t always mean the body is ready to heal. Many older adults experience post-hospital syndrome—a state of extreme stress and vulnerability that can slow recovery, lead to new health complications, and even increase the risk of readmission.

Stress plays a bigger role than you might realize.

How Stress … Read More »

The benefits of chemotherapy are indisputable and can save someone’s life. However, in the process of destroying harmful cancer cells, noncancerous cells may also be in the crossfire, causing challenging side effects. The physician will offer recommendations on what cancer patients should do to minimize these effects, but it is just as important to know what to avoid during chemotherapy.

On Monday, November 11, we stand together to provide sincere honor and appreciation to the courageous men and women you have given so much for our safety and freedom.  We thank you for your courage, dedication, and hard work.  And to the families of our Veterans, we thank you for all of your support, resilience, and sacrifice.  It is our honor to be able to provide exceptional service and support to the Veterans and their families in our community.

Sincerely,
~The HIRED HANDS HOMECARE Team

There are a number of reasons that could be causing changes in a senior’s eating behaviors.

Following the indulgence of the holiday season, many of us decide to cut back on consumption of calories. But when an older adult does not want to eat altogether, or is making unbalanced or unhealthy dietary choices, it’s important to look for the reason behind changes in a senior’s eating behaviors. This is a first and crucial step in promoting healthier eating habits.

These dysphagia tips will help someone you love adapt to beverage thickeners.

Unless you have dysphagia, a swallowing disorder, it is likely you have not given much serious thought to the various textures and consistencies of the liquids in your daily diet. When you are feeling thirsty, nothing hits the spot like an ice-cold glass of water. On a hot summer day, you may crave a cool milkshake. And when you are recuperating from the flu, a warm bowl of soup really hits the spot.