For elderly residents, falls are a major concern. Not only are individuals more fragile in general, with reduced bone density and other compromised body defenses, but recovery periods are often longer, more grueling, and a more delicate process in general. A reported one third of the population 65+ will fall each year, and those 80+ […]
For many, the holidays are the time of year for family get-togethers, traditions, friends and fun. However, for others, the holidays can be an upsetting or difficult time of year, with feelings of sadness, resentment, and can even initiate a depressive episode. For elderly residents in facilities with little or no family who visit, this […]
Seasonal Affective Disorder is a form of depression prompted by the time of year and relative to the amount of light present due to the change in seasons. Many of us may have heard of SAD, but may not fully understand its condition, or its counterpart, Reverse SAD. ALE discusses both kinds of SAD and […]
Hoarding has long been documented, but has only been systematically studied just within the last decade. Hoarding Disorder was only added to the most recent DSM update in 2013, when the DSM-V was released. This is the extreme side of hoarding where it interferes with normal daily activities such as cooking, sleeping, moving through spaces, […]
Lately, it’s been common to hear on the news about the heroin and opioid epidemics across the nation. Often times, we hear about young or middle-aged victims succumbing to their addictions, but the problem doesn’t just exist there. Seniors are also part of this drug epidemic as well. AARP reports that in 2015, nearly one […]
Many residents are admitted to assisted living because they can no longer live independently and may even need professional care for long-term or chronic conditions and illnesses. There are also those who may be admitted temporarily for professional rehabilitory care after a major surgery, such as knee or hip replacement. Part of quality assisted living […]
On average, we reach our peak lung capacity between 20-25 years old. During this time, our lungs have a maximum limit of six liters. After the age of 35, our lung capacity decreases and as a result, our breathing rate slows and physical activity becomes more difficult. Even healthy individuals with no history of smoking […]
Consider making Memorial Day an extra special holiday for your residents. Some may have been around during WWI; many of them may have lived through, or even served in, the second World War and probably have lost friends, relatives, or loved ones over the years from those or other wars, or another form of military […]
As most people know, sleep is incredibly important for maintaining good health and quality of life. Our brain forms new pathways to store information efficiently while we sleep. Without enough of it, our ability to make decisions, control our emotions, and deal with change declines. Sleep is so vital to our mental health that sleep […]
On March 20th, 2017, Kim Campbell announced that her beloved and famous husband, Glen Campbell could no longer play guitar due to his advancing Alzheimer’s condition. Glen Campbell revealed his early-stage AD diagnosis at 75 years in 2011 at the same time his last work, Ghost on Canvas was released. He launched a world “Goodbye […]