Monday, September 20, 2021
You can improve your quality of life drastically by staying active as you age, according to multiple studies on the health of senior citizens . Physical activity releases mood-boosting chemicals like dopamine and endorphins, supports bone and heart health, and decreases your risk of a damaging fall.
However, for many senior citizens, this is easier said than done. Limited mobility, illness, and increasing fragility make it difficult for many senior citizens to stay active in the...
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at Monday, September 20, 2021
Wednesday, September 8, 2021
Osteoporosis can develop from several risk factors, such as family history and genetics to diet and nutrition, but does lack of calcium cause osteoporosis? Osteoporosis means “porous bone.” The texture of a healthy bone should be similar to a honeycomb under a microscope. When osteoporosis develops, the holes in the honeycomb become much wider as the bone loses density. Less dense bones are weaker and fracture more easily.
Read on to discover if a lack of calcium does cause...
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Posted by
Patrick Laughlin
at
Wednesday, September 8, 2021
Tuesday, July 13, 2021
Diabetes is common. According to the American Diabetes Association, 34.2 million people (10.5% of the US population) had diabetes in 2018 . This makes diabetes one of the leading causes of morbidity in the country. People with diabetes are at risk of serious complications, including limb amputation and vision loss. This makes it all the more important that awareness for the disease be raised: diabetes prevention and tips for managing it are vital in seeing these high numbers come down.
What...
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at Tuesday, July 13, 2021
Tuesday, June 15, 2021
Glaucoma affects roughly three million people in the United States . The risk of developing glaucoma in seniors is much greater than younger groups. Anyone over 60, individuals of African American descent who are over 40, and individuals who have diabetes or a familial history of glaucoma are up to eight times more likely to develop this incurable disease. In fact, glaucoma is the third leading cause of blindness in the world.
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a complex group of diseases...
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at Tuesday, June 15, 2021
Tuesday, May 11, 2021
As you age, it is common to worry about being unable to get around as well as you once did. You might be afraid that you won’t be able to keep up your favorite activities, go visit your favorite places or even continue doing your everyday tasks. Mobility—the capability to move freely and effortlessly—is essential for maintaining your quality of life and living independently. Changes to mobility naturally occur as you grow older, and you may be wondering how to maintain...
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at Tuesday, May 11, 2021
Monday, April 26, 2021
A year into a global pandemic it goes without saying that times have been hard, but if history has taught us anything, it is that when people come together, anything can be overcome. Truer words can not be said about the way Central Arkansas families, friends, and businesses have come together to support and lift each other up.
In our community, older adults are a key source of this strength. Through their experiences, successes, and difficulties, they have built resilience that helps them...
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at Monday, April 26, 2021
Tuesday, April 13, 2021
The terms “dementia” and “Alzheimer’s disease” are often used synonymously, but the two terms are not fully interchangeable. There are marked differences between the various forms of dementia. Identifying the specific type of dementia your loved one has can better prepare you for their long-term needs.
Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease
When distinguishing between dementia and Alzheimer's, there is one crucial interaction between the diseases you...
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at Tuesday, April 13, 2021
Tuesday, March 16, 2021
The systems and functions of our bodies are all interconnected in ways scientists continue working to unravel. As we age, these interactions between systems become even more important as the body’s reactions impact our aging bodies more intensely. Things we were able to shake off in our youth can become life-threatening issues. This is especially true for patients with pre-existing conditions like diabetes and raises the question of whether diabetes can make seniors confused.
The...
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at Tuesday, March 16, 2021
Tuesday, February 9, 2021
In 2018, an estimated 9,500 senior fatalities occurred from falls. More than half of all fatal falls occur for people over the age of 75. This statistic is frightening, but there are ways to prevent falls in seniors. Discover how to optimize senior mobility, prevent seniors falling, and increase independence and quality of life in late adulthood.
Why Are Seniors Falling In Their Homes?
Seniors falling in their home is not uncommon and can result in minor bruises, a broken bone...
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at Tuesday, February 9, 2021
Tuesday, January 5, 2021
Senior nutrition in Arkansas has been a CareLink priority for many years, especially as we serve a community significantly affected by geriatric hunger . Sadly, 18% of seniors in Arkansas are not getting the balanced diet necessary to stay healthy, independent, and functioning optimally. As older citizens shelter in place during the Covid-19 pandemic, accessing sufficient senior nutrition is even more challenging. Geriatric nutrition on a budget has never been such an important...
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at Tuesday, January 5, 2021
Tuesday, December 8, 2020
For people who are suffering from an advanced form of dementia or Alzheimer’s, boredom can be one of the most frustrating and damaging components of their day. Dementia patients who suffer from low stimulation also often suffer from increased instances of depression, irritability, and anxiety. Providing activities for dementia patients in aged care can help engage them in their surroundings, bring them some relief and pleasure, and encourage memory recovery and moments of lucidity....
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at Tuesday, December 8, 2020
Friday, May 1, 2020
Our director of development, Meredith Hale, wrote a piece for the May issue of Inviting Arkansas sharing ways brothers and sisters can work together to care for their aging parents. You can read it on their site , or read the unabridged version below.
♦♦♦
Caring for an aging loved one, especially your parents, can be tough. Add siblings to the mix and every day can seem like a battle. Between struggling to get your parents to do what you say and...
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at Friday, May 1, 2020
Tuesday, April 21, 2020
CareLink prides itself on helping the communities of Central Arkansas find resources for the elderly. Learn more about what services CareLink offers. Here’s a list of those resources with information on how homebound seniors, active older people, and family caregivers can get the most out of them.
Resources for Homebound Older People
Meals on Wheels
For senior citizens who can’t always get to the grocery store or prepare hot meals, Meals on Wheels offers delivery...
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Posted by
Patrick Laughlin
at
Tuesday, April 21, 2020
Monday, April 6, 2020
Helping Elderly Individuals Avoid Isolation During COVID-19
Elder isolation is a national issue impacting the physical and mental wellbeing of the older population. It can lead to depression, dementia, and a host of other health issues. However, in the hustle and bustle of today, it can be hard to notice and even treat elder isolation.
While there isn’t a magic pill to take or procedure to have that eliminates loneliness, there are ways to help older people at risk of isolation. ...
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at Monday, April 6, 2020
Friday, March 27, 2020
Volunteering in Little Rock
If you’re looking for ways to volunteer in Little Rock, you’ve come to the right place. As a city with more than 50 nonprofit organizations, there is always an open opportunity for those interested in giving back to the community. From community service to fundraising events, you can find it all right here in Little Rock.
READ MORE: Why Volunteering Matters →
Provide Meals to the Elderly and Disabled with Meals...
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Posted by
Randi Harville
at
Friday, March 27, 2020
Tuesday, March 17, 2020
At CareLink, our elderly clients are always our first priority and, in many cases, our Meals on Wheels program is the front line of defense for food-insecure seniors. With the ever-increasing threat of the Coronavirus in our community, our staff is working diligently to adapt our response to avoid an interruption of services across all programs. We have an extra layer of concern because our recipients are members of the high-risk group, so we want to minimize their exposure...
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Posted by
Randi Harville
at
Tuesday, March 17, 2020
Tuesday, March 17, 2020
CareLink helps provide for the elderly by supplying resources and information to homebound older people and their caregivers. Here’s how CareLink can help your senior live a happy and healthy life.
What services does CareLink offer?
Care for homebound older people
CareLink primarily helps homebound older people maintain their independence while at home. Resources for homebound care include:
Meals on Wheels , which delivers meals to seniors who may have challenges...
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Posted by
Patrick Laughlin
at
Tuesday, March 17, 2020
Tuesday, February 11, 2020
If you are interested in offering help for elderly family members living at home, becoming an in-home family caregiver is a great start.
Offering your services as a caregiver can be a fulfilling path, as either a volunteer or a paid caregiver. Some people even choose to become a caregiver for a family member. No matter which option is most appropriate for you, you will need to learn how to become a caregiver and to find tips for taking care of the elderly or other people seeking...
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Posted by
Patrick Laughlin
at
Tuesday, February 11, 2020
Wednesday, January 22, 2020
Old age is not always easy, especially if it affects the health and mobility of your loved ones. Eventually, the question of whether or not to relocate them to a nursing home will arise. What should you do? Before you rush into any decisions, it’s a good idea to explore the upsides and drawbacks of each option. The benefits of elderly homecare may surprise you.
5 Reasons Seniors Prefer Homecare
Homecare for the elderly may seem counterintuitive. After all, aren’t nursing...
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Posted by
Patrick Laughlin
at
Wednesday, January 22, 2020
Thursday, January 2, 2020
Caring for a Homebound Loved One
If you have experienced caring for a homebound loved one, chances are you understand the difficulty and hardships they may encounter. When an individual is confined to their home, it may be difficult to connect with those who love and care for them.
Through a network of supportive family and friends as well as caregivers and local resources, there are multiple ways to overcome these difficulties. If you are interested in learning different...
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Posted by
Amanda Young
at
Thursday, January 2, 2020
Friday, December 13, 2019
Should I hire a caregiver or move my loved one to an assisted living facility?
Watching age interfere with an older loved one’s ability to live on their own can be tough. For many, there comes a time when you have to make one of the hardest decisions; hire a caregiver, become a family caregiver or put your loved one in a long-term care facility. This can be a difficult decision to process. There are pros and cons to each, and the right choice for you will depend on your unique...
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Posted by
Meredith Hale
at
Friday, December 13, 2019
Tuesday, December 10, 2019
Caring for the elderly can be difficult, especially when it’s your mom or day. Often, many of the responsibilities of caring for elderly parents tend to fall on adult children or relatives, which can be quite demanding if you do not have the resources and support you need to properly care for your aging parents.
If you are acting as a caregiver and need tips and resources for the elderly, CareLink can help! Even if your parents are in good health and living on their own, there are...
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at Tuesday, December 10, 2019
Tuesday, November 12, 2019
Launched in 2012, Giving Tuesday is a global event made possible through social media channels and the generosity of people like you. The event happens every year on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving and inspires millions the world around to give back to a great cause. If you are looking for ways to participate in the festive season, here is your chance to make generosity go viral! This year, Giving Tuesday is Dec. 3, 2019.
Getting involved
Giving Tuesday starts with social media. The more...
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at Tuesday, November 12, 2019
Tuesday, October 15, 2019
Many elderly people wish to live out their golden years in the comfort of their own home. It is also vital for them to have optimal independence to remain active at home to maintain good emotional, physical, and social health.
Throughout this article, we will cover the basics of connecting the elderly with homebound care to empower and enrich their lives.
Independence Through Safety & Preparedness
When considering the care of an aging loved one, the most important thing is...
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at Tuesday, October 15, 2019
Tuesday, October 8, 2019
Elder Care Matters
I was somewhere in my middle school years, visiting family in Asheville, North Carolina, when my aunt told me we were going to deliver meals to older people. She had a friend who volunteered with Meals on Wheels but was unable that day, so my aunt said she would. Those moments spent delivering lunch to men and women unable to prepare a meal themselves was just the beginning of the route I would take to CareLink.
But before we dive into my story, let me...
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at Tuesday, October 8, 2019
Tuesday, October 8, 2019
What is Cupcakes for Goodness Sake?
Cupcakes for Goodness Sake is an annual cupcake festival and fundraiser hosted by CareLink that encourages bakers to whip up a batch of sweet and savory treats for cupcake connoisseurs to taste. The event not only raises funds for CareLink but also brings awareness to the obstacles of aging.
2019 Cupcakes for Goodness Sake Event Details
Held in Downtown North Little Rock on Saturday, Oct. 12, you’ll find the streets of the...
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Posted by
Meredith Hale
at
Tuesday, October 8, 2019
Tuesday, October 1, 2019
At CareLink, we know finding a health care plan can be confusing. Getting enrolled in Medicare and understanding the various supplemental plans offered can be hard to navigate. We have a team of trained staff offering free Part D plan reviews throughout the open enrollment period to help alleviate the stress and confusion many can have when choosing the right policy.
How Do I Enroll for Medicare?
Some people are automatically enrolled for Medicare Part A and Part B...
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Posted by
Meredith Hale
at
Tuesday, October 1, 2019
Tuesday, September 3, 2019
There are many substantial benefits to regular physical activity as you age. It allows you to enjoy day-to-day activities and maintain your independence longer. An ideal workout routine includes some combination of aerobic exercise, balance and flexibility, and some muscle and bone strengthening components. Get started today with these fun exercises!
Dancing
Dancing is a fun way to forget that you are even exercising! It covers the aerobic component, providing great cardiovascular...
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at Tuesday, September 3, 2019
Monday, August 19, 2019
For older people, falling can have serious implications on our health and quality of life.
Falls are the number one cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries among people 65 years and older. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2.8 million older adults were treated in emergency rooms for falls in 2014 alone.
Due to the risk of serious injury, caregivers and seniors should be aware of the importance of preventing falls. In addition to being the leading cause of...
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Posted by
Amanda Young
at
Monday, August 19, 2019
Tuesday, August 6, 2019
When you or a loved one is growing older, the idea of a location change may come up. However, there are numerous benefits of staying at home. Discover why the elderly staying home can actually be far more beneficial than opting for a retirement community or nursing home.
Benefits of the elderly living at home
Maintain your independence.
Aging in place means you get to continue living a much more independent lifestyle . You have all your belongings, get to choose what...
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at Tuesday, August 6, 2019
Tuesday, July 30, 2019
As your parents have gotten older, you may have noticed they need more help. Some common signs can be an unusually dirty house, missed doses of medication, late bills, poor diet and/or weight loss, and unexplained bruising. While this may be hard to come to terms with, there can be a point when your parents simply need more help with day to day living.
The hard part is having the conversation about housing options for seniors with your parents. Look at it from their point of...
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Posted by
Meredith Hale
at
Tuesday, July 30, 2019
Tuesday, July 2, 2019
There are many ways to keep yourself healthy as you grow older, and eating a nutritious diet is one of them. However, 18% of seniors in Arkansas are not receiving the balanced diet required to keep themselves healthy, independent, and physically functional.
Use this guide to learn more about Meals on Wheels and who qualifies for Meals on Wheels in Arkansas
What is Meals on Wheels?
Meals on Wheels America is a social program that focuses on caring for seniors whose...
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at Tuesday, July 2, 2019
Thursday, May 23, 2019
Why is it important for seniors to care for their vision?
It’s often said that the eyes are the window to the soul, but it’s also true that the eyes are the window to the world. Without our vision, we are significantly more out of touch with the world around us. In order to prevent vision loss in seniors, it’s important for older individuals and their caretakers to take steps to protect the eyes. In honor of Cataract Awareness Month and Vision Research Month,...
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Posted by
Meredith Hale
at
Thursday, May 23, 2019
Tuesday, May 14, 2019
Have you ever considered a gift to CareLink?
If you check the mail, turn on the TV, answer the unknown caller, or get on social media, there’s a good possibility you will see an organization or friend asking for donations.
Sometimes, it can seem overwhelming.
Should you feel called to support one of these entities and get past the bombardment of requests, there are still decisions to make. Who does what? What causes matter to me? How much can I donate? How do I know my money is...
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at Tuesday, May 14, 2019
Thursday, May 9, 2019
Choosing the Best Books for Caregivers
Being a caregiver, especially a family caregiver, comes with many challenges, and it can be lonely when you don’t know where to turn for help, advice, or encouragement. Luckily, there are several books on caregiving that offer sound advice on several topics, including:
How to find time for self-care when you’re a full-time family caregiver
How to ask for help from others when you feel overwhelmed
How to cope with...
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Posted by
Meredith Hale
at
Thursday, May 9, 2019
Thursday, April 18, 2019
NOT ALL HEROES WEAR CAPES
Some wear scrubs and care for the elderly
The Importance of Elder Caregivers
care·giv·er /ˈkerˌɡivər/ noun: a family member or paid helper who regularly looks after a child or a sick, elderly, or disabled person.
Earlier this month, Mike Smith, MSN, RN, and I, Meredith Hale, went to North Little Rock High School to meet with students studying to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). Initially, we were there to tell...
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at Thursday, April 18, 2019
Friday, April 5, 2019
5 Benefits of Volunteering
Volunteering is beneficial for both you and others, since it offers physical and mental benefits for both the person helping and the person being helped. Research has shown that volunteering improves mental health and builds confidence while also providing opportunities to meet others who share like-minded goals and hobbies - the perfect chance to meet friends and significant others who also enjoy giving back to their community and to those in need. Need...
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Posted by
Meredith Hale
at
Friday, April 5, 2019
Wednesday, March 27, 2019
How Can I Leave a Lasting Legacy?
It is an unfortunate fact of life that there will come a day when each and every one of us will pass on from this world. We all want to leave behind a better world for our children, grandchildren, and future generations. From lending a helping hand to someone in need and volunteering to leaving a lasting legacy which will help provide for those in need for years to come, there are countless ways to begin forming a lasting legacy today.
...
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Posted by
Meredith Hale
at
Wednesday, March 27, 2019
Wednesday, March 6, 2019
HOW TO BATTLE THE EFFECTS OF AGING ON SLEEP
READ TIME: 6 MINUTES
You snooze you lose!
Or is it, when you don’t snooze you lose?
Regardless, we spend one-third of our lives sleeping. So why don’t we give it the credit it’s due?
Take a trip down memory lane for a minute.
When we’re born, our exhausted parents pray for sleep so they can maybe squeeze in an hour or two. As we grow into toddlers, our parents covet those afternoon naps because it means...
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at Wednesday, March 6, 2019
Monday, February 11, 2019
How do I find help as a caregiver?
According to the National Alliance for Caregiving , more than 75 million Americans serve as caregivers for elderly and disabled individuals. As a friend, family member, neighbor, or a paid caregiver, you shoulder a heavy burden and provide invaluable help for someone in need, but where can a caregiver find help when you’re the one in need?
From burnout and exhaustion to anxiety and depression, caregivers bear many difficulties. You don’t...
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Posted by
Meredith Hale
at
Monday, February 11, 2019
Wednesday, February 6, 2019
Read Time: 6 minutes, 11 seconds
Taking your first sip of coffee, you think about the warmth of the mug in your hands, how the sunlight beaming through the window warms your cheek. Savoring the delicious liquid mixture of confidence and energy, you look across the table at your mother.
This is part of your Saturday routine, your weekly talks with her. But something doesn’t seem right. You no longer feel the warmth of your mug, notice the sun shining on your face, or the taste of...
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at Wednesday, February 6, 2019
Monday, January 14, 2019
The loss of a loved one can be a very difficult time. In addition to wading through legal documents and getting arrangements in order, feelings of depression, loneliness, anger, and other emotions can be difficult to process. How do you heal from the loss of a loved one? Grieving is different for everyone, but here a few ways to help you feel like there is a sense of order during a stressful and sometimes chaotic time..
The 5 Stages of Grief
The five stages of grief are a set of...
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Posted by
Meredith Hale
at
Monday, January 14, 2019
Thursday, January 3, 2019
I was somewhere in my middle school years, visiting family in Asheville, North Carolina, when my aunt told me we were going to deliver meals to older people. She had a friend who volunteered with Meals on Wheels but was unable that day, so my aunt said she would. Those moments spent delivering lunch to men and women unable to prepare a meal themselves was just the beginning of the route I would take to CareLink.
But before we dive into my story, let me introduce myself. My name is Meredith...
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at Thursday, January 3, 2019
Monday, December 17, 2018
If you haven’t unpacked all your cold weather clothing, the time is now. Winter is here. While the temperature may not consistently reflect the season, it’s best to be prepared for when those temps drop, especially if you are 55 or older.
In the winter months, or December – April for Arkansans, drops in temperature can be drastic and sporadic. When cold temperatures hit the forecast, illnesses like hypothermia become a concern.
Unlike hyperthermia in the summer ,...
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at Monday, December 17, 2018
Monday, December 3, 2018
Ways to Volunteer in Little Rock
Did you know more than one third of those living in poverty in Little Rock and North Little Rock are children and teens under the age of 18, while more than 15 percent are age 55 or older, and more than 10 percent are single mothers?
It’s easy for us to forget how fortunate we are in the mundane routine of daily life if we are not required to worry about how we will pay the utility bill or find food and shelter for our children. Coming face to...
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Posted by
Meredith Hale
at
Monday, December 3, 2018
Friday, November 2, 2018
Supporting Family Caregivers
As we get older, we realize how real the conversation with family is about caring for a loved one, especially if that loved one is yourself. For many, that conversation ends with someone in the family taking on the role of caregiver. At CareLink, we know the trials and successes that come with caregiving, which is why we are sharing ways to show support and say “Thank you” to the caregivers in your life in recognition of National Family Caregivers...
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Posted by
Meredith Hale
at
Friday, November 2, 2018
Monday, September 10, 2018
In honor of National Medic Alert Awareness Month, we’ve put together a complete guide to medical alert systems, including a review of the best medical alert systems on the market. Learn more about how medical alert systems work, the benefits of investing in one for you or a loved one, and which medical alert system is right for your needs.
What is a medical alert system?
A medical alert system is a device that can be used to notify family members or neighbors and...
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Posted by
Meredith Hale
at
Monday, September 10, 2018
Tuesday, September 4, 2018
People age differently. One person may be able to live independently well into their 80’s, while another may need in-home care many years before that. There are a number of signs that can indicate that you should look into whether or not your loved one is in need of senior in-home care.
Top Signs To Look Out For
Change in Appearance & Personality
A change in physical appearance and behavior can be a big indicator of your senior loved one needing a little extra help...
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Posted by
Canny Beasley
at
Tuesday, September 4, 2018
Wednesday, August 29, 2018
Staying active as you age is essential to your health, both mental and physical. Maintaining an active lifestyle helps boost energy, maintain independence, and more. Some studies even say it can help increase your lifespan. By doing some sort of physical exercise, you will maintain better overall health and well-being.
Physical Health
Weight Loss or Maintenance
Once we say goodbye to our twenties, we come to the realization that our metabolism slows down as we age. You can...
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Posted by
Canny Beasley
at
Wednesday, August 29, 2018
Friday, August 24, 2018
Did you know older people are in danger of heat related-illnesses, even when the temperature is less than 100 degrees? Fall may be around the corner, but as Arkansans, we know summer temperatures are not going away any time soon. Family, friends and loved ones over the age of 60 are more at-risk than their younger counterparts to experience heat-related illnesses.
Here are a few tips to ensure your older loved ones and friends minimize their risk of heat-related illnesses like...
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Posted by
Meredith Hale
at
Friday, August 24, 2018