I always think of caregiving in the big picture. What does it mean to be a caregiver? What does that role and relationship look like? But, in reality, caregiving is not just a role, relationship, or an idea - it is also the sum of all the small daily activities that make up our lives. In this newsletter, we offer tips and advice on the daily stuff in the hope that by improving on the little tasks we can free ourselves up for the bigger things!
SageMinder Team
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Most of us would have to be living under a rock to not know daily exercise is important, yet the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that about 80% of us do not get the exercise we should. The CDC has set up guidelines telling us we should be exercising in some type of aerobic activity (moderately) at least 2 ½ hours per week.
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 Medications are a big part of caregiving. Seniors who take medications as prescribed are more likely to see health benefits. When interviewed, most people think they do not need any help with remembering to take medications. In studies, however, it turns out that about half of those taking medications fail to take them as prescribed and frequently forget doses altogether. In the senior population, non-adherence is even higher ranging from 50-75%.
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While we are living in a society that bathes daily, it is likely that the senior in your life did not partake in a daily shower growing up. Daily baths are a relatively recent trend. However, regular cleaning is important for a variety of reasons including personal and social comfort. Frequency of a full bath for a senior will depend on a variety of factors and will vary from person to person - so there is no right answer for all seniors.
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