It’s that time of year again. The fun and festive holiday season is over. The grey days of winter have settled in. Snow and ice seem to be the primary topic of conversation among many central Ohio caregivers and seniors. If spring seems far off and you find yourself feeling a little blue, you aren’t… Read more »
Dear Rocky: My husband and I have recently become caregivers for an elderly aunt who lives nearby. This role has been filled by her daughter for many years, but she got married and moved away so we took over. With winter’s arrival here in central Ohio, we are struggling to figure out how to keep… Read more »
Older adults in central Ohio are at higher risk for a vitamin D deficiency during the winter than their friends in southern climates. That is because most of us spend less time outdoors during the winter. Less exposure to sunlight means the body has less opportunity to produce vitamin D naturally. More and more studies… Read more »
When a central Ohio loved one who lives with you has Alzheimer’s disease, the holiday season can present more than a few unique challenges. One of those challenges is decorating. Decking the halls for Christmas or Hanukkah is a tradition many families enjoy doing together every year. The tinsel and twinkle add to the festive… Read more »
If you chose to spend time visiting a senior loved one at their home over the holidays, you may find yourself wondering how safe they are living alone. Adult children often find themselves in the position of trying to evaluate an older family member’s home environment for safety. Do the stairs have strong handrails? Is… Read more »
Caregivers of a senior loved one have usually read the statistics on how dangerous falls can be for older adults. Unfortunately, winter in central Ohio can raise the risk factor even higher. Icy driveways and walkways for those who struggle with balance can be an especially dangerous situation. If you are a caring for a senior… Read more »
Dear Dr. Dineen: My 87-year old mother moved in with us this past summer. She is still fairly active and independent but just wasn’t safe on her own any longer. I’m trying to convince her to get a flu shot. Since she had it last year, she doesn’t want to get it again. Mom thinks… Read more »
During these uncertain times, one thing is certain, MacIntosh continues to work effortlessly to protect our residents and team members. We are closely following all CDC and ODH guidelines as well as any additional recommendation. We have kept in contact with our families on a regular basis to share any updates we may have and… Read more »
It is never easy for an adult child to know when it is time for their parent to move to an assisted living or long-term care community. It’s tough to know what to look for and how to evaluate your parent’s ability to live on their own. After all, you’re their child, not their doctor…. Read more »
Dear Jana: We visited my mother in Columbus, Ohio, recently. For numerous reasons, we haven’t seen her since last Christmas. While she’s been telling us she is doing well, I’m not so sure that is true. At a minimum, she is lonely. She might even be depressed. Some of the other concerns I have are… Read more »