Health

As a caregiver, one of the biggest challenges is ensuring your loved one remains healthy and choosing the right team of professionals to turn to. This section contains medical and health information, tools and research, all designed to help caregivers remove barriers to health and well being.

Medical Planning

Search for Qualified Geriatric Doctors and Psychiatrists
Agingcare.com has partnered with leading healthcare research and medical information company, Castle Connolly Medical Ltd., to provide search capabilties so that caregivers to find qualified doctors in their geographic area.
Medical Planning: Customs, Culture and Care
Cultural sensitivity adds another dimension to health care. Sometimes a caregiver must act as a go-between, explaining customs to both health care personnel and the patient.
Choosing Doctors: The Cornerstone of Good Medical Care
One cornerstone of good medical care is an experienced, approachable primary care doctor who can coordinate care and help a patient connect with specialists.
The Value of Choosing a Geriatrician
It's not unusual for someone to see the same doctor for decades. But as a person grows older, it's wise to consider switching to a geriatrician or consulting one.
Evaluating a Transitional Rehab Facility
Visit some facilities before selecting where your loved one will live - and bring along a list of questions.

Daily Care

Personal Hygiene and Handling Daily Tasks
Sometimes, slips in personal hygiene, such as dirty clothes or unkempt hair, point to bigger issues, such as depression, hidden health problems, or the beginning of dementia or cognitive decline.
The Importance of Senior Dental Care
Good dental care is essential but often neglected. But it shouldn't be! Oral health problems can affect overall health.
An Overview of Dental Care
Dental care is too often neglected, which can lead to serious diseases of the teeth and gums.
Nutrition and Senior Health
Here are some tips for meal preparation that make eating more appealing and nutritious.
Exercise for Life
Is it safe for adults older than 65 years to exercise? Absolutely, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians who says almost all older people can benefit from additional physical activity.
Practicing Fall Prevention
Taking steps to increase strength and improve mobility may slow or reverse the weakening of bones and muscles, which often leads to falls.
How to Find Low-Cost Prescription Drugs
Comparing prices before filling a prescription can save you hundreds of dollars a month in medication costs.
An Overview of Homeopathic Care
Homeopathy is an alternative medical system built upon complete systems of theory and practice, which evolved apart from and earlier than conventional medical approaches.

Age-Related Ailments

Age-Related Eye Diseases
Most people think that deteriorating eyesight is a normal part of aging, but that is not the case. Look for these warning signs that could point to a disease of the eye.
Coping with Hearing Loss
Hearing loss can have an impact on almost all aspects of an individual’s ability to function successfully.
An Overview of Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a disease that thins and weakens the bones to the point that they become fragile and break easily.
Urinary and Bowel Incontinence
When the problem of urinary and bowel is significant enough to disrupt daily activities and make it difficult to maintain good hygiene, the root problem should be investigated.
Treating Constipation and Diarrhea
If constipation or diarrhea occurs regularly, discuss it with a doctor who can make a proper diagnosis and suggest appropriate treatment. But you might wish to try the following tips first.

Medical Disorders

Confusion and Daily Tasks: Tips for Dealing with Dementia
When the person you are caring for is mentally confused because of Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia, caregivers must keep in mind some special considerations.
An Overview of Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's Disease causes sufferers to have trouble thinking and speaking clearly, remembering recent events, and learning new things. Over time, it becomes hard for them to handle everyday activities and take care of themselves.
An Overview of Cancer
Cancer is a term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control and can invade other tissues.
An Overview of Diabetes
Diabetes is a disorder of metabolism—the way our bodies use digested food for growth and energy.
An Overview of Heart Disease
Heart failure is a condition in which the heart can't pump enough blood throughout the body.
An Overview of Parkinson's Disease
Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease includes tremors or trembling in hands, arms, legs and face, as well as rigidity and stiffness of the limbs and trunk.
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Answers from our Experts

Is there an ideal time off (respite) for caregivers that I can show my sisters to help my case for getting time off?

I have never seen an official “Required Respite Time” statistic because of course there are so many factors and it’s very individual, but I would boil the need for respite down to this: As often as needed!

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