Phones For the Elderly | 5 Reasons Senior Citizens Need Smartphones

Does Gramma Need an iPhone?

If you are thinking of buying a smartphone for someone, your elderly father or mother are probably not on the list. These gadgets are for teens and 30 somethings with mobile careers, right? Truth is, while everyone else just likes them, senior citizens need smartphones. It could mean the difference between life and death.

By itself, a phone might not be the best solution for every emergency. Combined with an emergency alert system, though, it could hasten response time and add precious minutes. But that is not the only reason that smartphones are a great idea for the elderly. Altogether, here are 5 reasons to boost your elderly loved ones communication abilities to the next level:

Showering the Elderly | Why Caregivers Need a Handheld Shower

One of the most important and convenient tools a caregiver can own is a simple handheld shower head. If your loved one is unable to shower themselves, or if they need to be seated while showering, a standard shower just won't work. Here's why:

• A standard shower will spray water in your face if you are seated in a shower chair. (not fun.)
• It may be difficult, or impossible, for an elder to adjust the water pressure on a mounted shower head. (Especially if they are short, or the shower is seated high on the wall. ) 
• It may not be possible to shower all parts of the body if the person is seated under a standard shower head.

Showering is already a stressful part of elderly caregiving. Many seniors are afraid of slipping in the shower, or being burned by water they can't see to adjust. 

The end result of using a bad shower head could possibly be a person who, after a bad experience being sprayed in the face, still isn't clean. Or worse...

Family Caregivers! November is YOUR Month!

It is officially National Family Caregiver Month. If you know a family caregiver, then this is the time to support them and celebrate their contribution to society.

Unlike most celebrations, this month doesn't need gifts or cards. It would actually be more beneficial to caregivers if you helped raise awareness.

Caregivers face many obstacles that other people might not think about. The world is not built to be convenient to the elderly. With more and more seniors remaining in the care of loved ones rather than in nursing homes, caregivers have to be wary of slick floors, inaccessible restrooms, bad parking areas, steep stairs, and other hazards.

One caregiver claims that she would love it if more stores and recreational areas offered seating so that the elderly could rest frequently.

If you are (or have been) a caregiver, if you know a caregiver, or if you have had loved ones who were in the care of others, help spread awareness!

4 Halloween Ideas to Share With Your Grandmother

Halloween is less than a month away. Are you ready to have some ghoulishly good times with your Grandma? All Hallows Eve is not just for kids. Halloween and the elderly have gone together like witches and cats for a long time now.

If you are caring for a parent in your home, and have small children, Halloween can be a great night for making some lasting memories. Here are some of the ways that anyone can enjoy this spooky holiday with their grandmother:

1. Costume Contest

It might take some cajoling, but I bet you can get your grandmother to dress up too. This doesn't mean you have to go out, but if your grandmother is up for a stroll around the block then why not have some fun? Even if you decide to just stay home and pass out candy together, the most fun you will have will be dressing up.

• Try story book creations, like Red Riding Hood and her Grandmother
• Switch for a day--you dress up like Grandma, and she can pretend to be you. 
• Blast from the past--design costumes based on what children wore to trick-or-treat when Grandma was younger. Here are some Halloween costume pictures for inspiration. And some more 20th century costume photos.

2. Homemade Halloween Treats

Is your grandmother a great cook? There are tons of Halloween party treats you can make together. If your grandmother is not able to cook anymore, then there are still some fun ways she can help. maybe she can: 

• Frost cupcakes
• Put sprinkles or other embellishments on cookies
• Arrange snack trays
• Fold napkins or paper for the table decorations
• Slice vegetables, cakes and other goodies for the party platters

Otherwise, you and and your grandmother can brew up lots of goodies in the kitchen together.

3. Have a Halloween Picnic Together

If the weather is mild enough, you can enjoy all those homemade Halloween treats outside.  Set up your picnic table or spread some blankets behind the privacy of some straw bales, and just enjoy some one-on-one time. 

Ask your grandmother if she knows any ghost stories, or can recall any creepy events from her life. Just about everyone has had some sort of eerie experience, or know someone who has.

4. Halloween Movie Marathon

If you and your grandmother both enjoy watching films, you make some snacks and set up a continuous showing of scary movies. Throw in some classics, such as the original Dracula, add in some campy humor with Disney's Hocus Pocus, and of course...one of your favorites.

You might be surprised to learn that your grandparents loved horror movies when they were younger too. You don't even have to go with gory movies. You can choose silly "nature-based" horror movies like "Arachnophobia", "Sharknado", or "Tremors".

Do be respectful though. If your grandmother has a condition such as Alzheimer's or dementia, and might be frightened, choose something more light-hearted. Any movie marathon will do.What's important is enjoying the time together.

 Also, if you will have younger kids trick-or-treating, and your television is within view of the front door, save the really scary films for after all the candy has been handed out.

Halloween is Fun for Everyone!

Everyone can enjoy Halloween. Whether you go for an all out party, or a low-key movie night--sharing it with your elderly loved one can make the night even more fun.

5 Things Caregivers Should Do Today

Caregiving is a big responsibility. You probably do a good job. But are you doing everything you are supposed to do today?

Without realizing it, failure to do the following tasks could potentially harm you in the long run. It could also strain your caregiving relationship (as well as other relationships). What do you need to be doing? What could you possible add to your already busy day?

Elder Care Issues Tip -- Help With Dementia Fidgeting

People with dementia often "fidget". They may scratch, pick at their skin, pull at their hair, obsessively smooth and rumple clothing, etc. They keep their hands moving all the time, and sometimes that can lead to self-injury.


To alleviate  dementia fidgeting, provide a few common items for them to handle. You don't have to force these into their hands, just leave them around the house in places where they are convenient to access. Here are some helpful (and some are strange) items that can help soothe dementia patients with a habit of fidgeting or picking:

• Stress balls (the squeezable foam type)
• Small Rubix cube
• Clickable ink pens
• Clickable flashlight or pen light
• Small Slinky
• Wooden bead strands
• Magazines or books with large print and lots of photos
• Large rubber bands (like those you find on produce)
• Lotion
• Lip balm
• Game pieces such as dominoes and dice than can be stacked or arranged in patterns
• Pen and paper for doodling/scribbling
• Heavy paper that can be folded and unfolded
• Containers such as Tic-Tac or Altoids boxes that can be opened and closed.
• Hand exercisers
• Silly putty or something else stretchable

When you are going out for the day, place a few  items in your loved one's coat pocket, purse, bag, etc. to help with nervous dementia fidgeting. Always keep your loved one's safety in mind--don't give them anything that could cause an injury. 

Otherwise, keep your eyes open all the time for little items you can stash around the house or in your bag that might help keep their hands busy, and away from harmful skin picking.

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photo courtesy morguefile.com 

Real Ghost Stories | Haunted Nursing Home

October wouldn't be the fun without some creepy tales  or ghostly deeds. And what could be creepier than a haunted nursing home? Whether you believe or not, you just might enjoy this paranormal experience.

Elderly Safety Risks | Removing Hidden Dangers For Seniors

One of the many issues facing new caregivers is the task of safety-proofing their home for the elderly. The average home is full of safety hazards that have to be addressed when a senior citizen moves in. How much or how little depends on the physical and cognitive limitations of the elder in question.

Most caregivers expect to install safety rails, door alarms, and non-skid rugs. These are some of the most obvious safety precautions to implement for the well-being of the elderly.

 However, here are a few lesser known safety risks that can put your loved one in danger too. Here a few risks you should consider:

Fight Alzheimer's and Dementia | Raise Dementia Awareness

Kick Alzheimer's and Dementia to the Curb!

We already know that Alzheimer's disease and dementia are low down, no-good horrible illnesses. Anyone who has been affected by the devastation of memory loss know would LOVE to knock these diseases out for good.

In my spare time, I write here and there for Bubblews. Today I decided to try a call to action post. Bubblews is a great community, they support each other, they love challenges. Why not call them to arms in the fight against Alzheimer's and dementia, and help raise awareness?

Support Dementia Sufferers and Their Caregivers

The point of the challenge is to gather those touched in some way by either of these conditions, and have them share at least one post about how Alzheimer's or dementia has affected them. Even if it is just a friend's friend.

Then, set aside one payment in October or November and donate it in some way to relieve Alzheimer's or dementia. Some of the ways this can be done:

Pet Therapy for the Elderly | 3 Great Lapdog Breeds for Senior Citizens

Whether the elderly live alone or with family caregivers, they can often feel lonely. Pets provide many benefits for the elderly, but lapdogs can provide the most comfort.

Not only are small dogs cuddly and affectionate, but they offer a much needed sense of responsibility. Many people care for an elderly person...but they may miss having something that they can nurture, too.

A canine companion for an elder should be mature, well-behaved and low maintenance if the owner will not be able to perform complex care regimens. That is why these three breeds can be ideal for even seniors with disabilities: