2019 in Review: Our 10 Most Popular Posts from the Past Year

2019 has quickly come and gone and what a year it’s been! Here at Family Matters, we’re quickly approaching our 20 year anniversary – providing families peace of mind and support for nearly two decades. Wow! We’re proud of our over 200 caregivers and the care they provide today and everyday. To you, we say thank you.

To round out the year we thought it would be fun to do a round up some of our most popular blogs from the year. So without further ado, here are our ten most popular blogs from 2019 (based on readership).

10. 5 Meaningful Benefits of Companionship for Seniors

Seniors who live alone often experience social isolation and feelings of loneliness, which causes their health to decline. Companionship is a key part of senior care, not just because companions provide assistance with daily tasks such as housekeeping and personal care, but also because they provide a meaningful human connection that greatly improves quality of life. Here are some of the benefits of companionship for seniors. Read More

9. 8 Fun Outdoor Activities for Seniors to Enjoy During the Summer

When the weather begins to turn warm, signaling that summer is on the way, it’s only natural to want to shake off the cobwebs of winter and get outdoors for some much-needed sunshine and fresh air. This applies to people of all ages, from tiny tots to senior citizens. Mobility issues, illness, injury, and other limitations may stop some seniors from seeking outdoor fun, even if they’ve enjoyed summer activities in the past. They may also be more susceptible to the effects of heat than younger adults. What can you do to encourage the seniors in your life to get outside and enjoy the balmy summer temperatures? The trick is to find activities seniors can participate in, that are geared for their interests, their level of fitness, and their potentially limited tolerance for heat and direct sunlight. Here are several outdoor activities for seniors that might entice your elderly loved ones to get outdoors and enjoy summer weather. Read More

8. Loneliness in Seniors: Important Facts & Solutions

According to research, social interaction is one of the most important aspects of living a long, healthy life. However, for seniors, regular opportunities for social engagement tend to diminish. They retire from jobs, children move away, friends and spouses pass away, and eventually they may become housebound if they lose the ability to drive or become ill. According to the most recent U.S. Census 28% of people aged 65 and older lived alone, with numbers estimated to be much higher now. Studies show seniors who live alone often experience social isolation and chronic feelings of loneliness, which cause depression, illness, and even death. Read More

7. The 6 Legal Documents Seniors Need to Have

There are specific legal documents that every adult should complete to protect their legal and health interests during good health, illness, and death. These documents become even more important for seniors. The right legal documents can protect a senior as they age and galvanize their wishes for the disposition of property and possessions after they die. Although these are difficult topics to address, having the proper legal documents in order can save time, money and family conflict. Here are some of the documents that you and your loved one should complete. Once completed, all of these documents should be filed with the primary care physician, a lawyer, and a trusted friend or family member. Read More

6. Assistive Devices for Seniors to Improve Everyday Life

One of the benefits of technology is that it can improve quality of life. Assistive technology for seniors is designed to enhance safety and well-being. Assistive technology for seniors supports their health, safety, and quality of life. There are many types of technology designed for these purposes. Some of these technologies are digital and cutting-edge, others are more basic. Read More

5. 10 Advantages & Benefits of Home Care for Seniors

Researching care options for an aging loved one can be overwhelming and it might be tough to decide what will be best for your family. Some options, like moving to a residential care facility require making big lifestyle changes. For many families, home care is the best solution as it allows their loved one to stay in the comfort of their own home and continue living as they are used to. Read More

4. Anxiety & Paranoia in the Elderly: Reasons, Symptoms & Caregiving Tips

It’s fairly common for aging adults to show signs of irrational anxiety or paranoia, such as thinking that someone is stealing from them, or that there is someone in the house at night. This type of behavior can be alarming for family members, who may find it difficult to ease their loved one’s fears and be left wondering how to help. A good place to start is with a visit to the doctor. It’s important to know that paranoid behavior is not considered a normal part of aging, and is often caused by an underlying medical condition. Read More

3. 5 Disadvantages of Nursing Homes for Seniors

Unfortunately, there may come a time when you are faced with the tough decision of whether or not to move your loved one into a nursing home. If they have a health condition that requires daily medical care, a skilled nursing facility might be the best option. There are some advantages to nursing homes such as having access to trained physicians onsite and in some cases, nursing home facilities can help provide a senior with a sense of community. However, many people feel the drawbacks of living in a nursing home outweigh the benefits. Here are some of the disadvantages of nursing homes for seniors. Read More

2. Hallucinations in the Elderly: Causes, Symptoms & How to Help

If you or a senior loved one has experienced hallucinations, you likely know how troubling they can be. A hallucination is a sensory experience of something that does not exist outside the mind, usually in the form of visual or auditory images. Simply put, a hallucination causes a person to see or hear something that isn’t really there. While a person may hallucinate for a variety of reasons, there are some common causes that specifically affect older adults. It’s important to recognize the symptoms and seek medical treatment to ease or eliminate hallucinations. Read More

1. Common Problems Faced by the Elderly in the US

Many people look forward to retirement, viewing it as a time to finally relax, slow down, and peacefully enjoy life. While it’s true that the golden years can be some of the best years of life, there are still some significant challenges. Older adults face particular problems due to their age and life circumstances. Here are some of the most common problems faced by seniors. Read More

If you or your family member is considering in-home care as part of a plan to age in place, contact Family Matters In-Home Care today for a free consultation.  Our team is dedicated to supporting your family and helping older adults enjoy life in the comfort of their own home for as long as possible.

Some of the services offered by Family Matter In-Home Care include: Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care, Bed & Wheelchair Transfer Assistance, Companionship, Housekeeping & Meal Preparation, Personal Care, Recovery Care, and Transportation.