Category: Family Life

Did you know that it’s not uncommon for some elderly people to experience confusion, agitation, and even personality changes? For the loved ones of elderly people, this can be frightening. It’s even scarier for the elderly person themself. 

Elderly agitation isn’t uncommon, but what causes it? Are all instances of elderly agitation something to worry about?

We’re here to talk about it. Keep reading to learn all about elderly agitation. 

What Is Elderly Agitation? 

In short, elderly agitation can be as simple as agitation for anyone else. It’s a sudden mood change that may or may not have a specific medical trigger.

It’s normal for older people to experience agitation as they age. They may struggle with pain, mobility problems, and simply the fact that they’re no longer as strong or capable as they once were. This isn’t a cause for alarm if the elderly person in question is able to articulate this problem. 

Sometimes, however, the agitation is the result of another problem. Most commonly, the problems are terminal restlessness or dementia (or Alzheimer’s, a type of dementia). 

If this is the case, it’s important to make sure that you do everything in your power to comfort your loved one.

Terminal Restlessness: The Facts

So what is terminal restlessness (or end-state restlessness)? 

Terminal restlessness is a sudden shift in behaviors and attitudes around the end of someone’s life. Even if they’ve been otherwise healthy, terminal restlessness can still happen. 

Your loved one may struggle to pay attention. They may show signs of terminal agitation, frustration, or confusion, and they may have emotional outbursts. 

Medications, medical problems, pain, and even the anxiety that someone feels about their future death can trigger terminal restlessness. If the problem is medical, a doctor may be able to provide some relief (though there is no cure).

Alzheimer’s and Dementia

Alzheimer’s and dementia are notorious for causing mood and behavior changes amongst elderly people. Between elderly confusion at night, memory loss, mobility changes, and an inability to complete day-to-day tasks, it’s understandable that people would begin to feel agitated when they’re dealing with one of these conditions.

Dementia is a degenerative condition. There is no cure for it, but with proper care and attention, you may be able to slow its progress. It’s important that elderly people with dementia seek out help in memory care facilities. 

Sometimes, light exercise, outdoor activities, and enrichment activities can help soothe the person who’s experiencing agitation due to dementia. 

Elderly Agitation: Have You Noticed It?

If you’ve noticed elderly agitation in a loved one, it might be time to speak to a doctor about the next steps that you should take. Elderly agitation is manageable, but there’s no cure for it if it’s due to dementia, Alzheimer’s, or terminal restlessness. Your job is to keep your loved one as comfortable as possible.

Speak to a doctor today about elderly agitation.

For more helpful articles about health and more, visit the rest of our site.

Behavioral disorders can put a serious strain on any family, whether you’re the parent or the child in the equation.

Science has given us a much better understanding of behavioral disorders in recent decades, including how to treat them. Yet there are still many misunderstandings out there about behavioral disorders.

That’s where little knowledge goes a long way. Here are five frequent questions about behavioral disorders in children—answered!

1: What is a Behavioral Disorder?

Put simply, a behavioral disorder is a consistent pattern of disruptive conduct. The classic definition involves disruptive conduct that lasts at least six months.

The exact form a behavioral disorder takes changes from person to person — everyone is a little bit different. Disorders are grouped based on certain repeated traits, like persistent disobedience, aggression, or avoidant behavior. The term is intentionally broad and covers an entire category of different expressions.

2: What Are the Common Behavioral Disorders?

There are many common behavioral disorders in children, each expressed in a different way. Here are some of the most common expressions of a behavioral disorder:

• Aggression
• Hyperactivity
• Disobedience
• Drug use 
• Anxiety

This isn’t an exhaustive list and many behavioral disorders show up as a mix of different problems in a single package. 

3: Are Behavioral Disorders a Symptom of Other Problems?

In many cases, behavioral disorders do signify other problems. Common background problems include undiagnosed mental health conditions and/or disrupted home life. Persistent bullying from peers is also another common cause.

This is why it’s important to look at the big picture when treating behavioral disorders. Without resolving these background problems, behavioral issues can often reoccur.

4: What Is the Treatment for Child Behavior Problems?

Treatment for behavior problems is often complex. Usually, it involves tackling the triggers and underlying causes, plus giving the child more ways to process their emotions.

Parents and children can take a range of options for treatment, including therapy and medication. Seeking medical advice is usually the first step to take after you notice a pattern of behavioral problems in your child.

There are many programs designed to help children with behavior problems (check out these teen programs, for instance). Success is never guaranteed, but most behavioral problems respond at least partially to treatment. 

5: Will My Child Grow Out of a Behavioral Disorder?

Unfortunately, this isn’t a yes or no question. Behavioral issues are complex and, as we’ve seen, they may be symptoms of other undiagnosed or untreated problems.

This means that your child may grow out of a behavioral disorder on their own. Yet most children need some help along the way. There are numerous different methods for treating disorders, and their level of success varies from person to person.

Behavioral Disorders in Children: Your Questions Answered

Now you know the answers to some of the most common questions about behavioral disorders in children. Knowing, as they say, is half the battle, and this knowledge could help your family, and your child, through a difficult stage of life.

Looking for more health info? Check our Health section often to see what’s new.

Did you know that there are close to one million people living in senior living communities in the United States of America? It is always a sad day when a loved one moves into a senior living community but in many cases assisted living is what is best for their long-term health. They’ll get all of the care that they need at community living facilities.

There are certain signs that you need to keep your eyes out for when it comes to your senior loved one that might give you clues that it is time to start looking for an assisted living community. The good news is that you’ve come to the right place to learn about these signs so you can get your loved ones the help that they need.

Keep reading this article to learn more.

Chronic Health Problems

One of the major signs that it is time to consider finding senior living communities for your elderly loved one is when they’re experiencing chronic health problems. These health problems will only get worse as time goes on and it is important that your loved one has the care that they need close by.

If your loved one continues living on their own with these chronic health problems then it will lead to a failing immune system and longer periods of illness. Finding a senior living community will ensure that they have the care and medical attention they need 24 hours per day.

Recent Falls

Falling is one of the worst things that can happen for elderly people, especially if they suffer from weak bones. These falls can result in serious injuries like broken hips, collar bones, and other serious injuries. Even worse, if your loved one lives alone then they could go hours or even days without the medical attention that they need for their injuries.

If you’re worried about your loved one falling and not having the assistance that they need nearby then it is time to start looking for a place with assisted living. Make sure that you look at cottagesatsandersglen.com to learn about the top amenities that you should look for when choosing assisted living facilities for your loved one.

Forgetting to Take Their Medicine

If you find that your elderly loved one is forgetting to take their medicine on a regular basis then it is time to start looking for the right assisted living community for them to move to. It is normal to forget to take their medicine every once in a while but if it starts happening on a consistent basis then this creates a dangerous situation for their health. 

The regimen of taking their medicine is vital for maintaining their health. If they start forgetting to take their medicine then their health will decline at a rapid and dangerous rate. You can try getting them a system that will remind them to take their meds but if that doesn’t work then it is time to find assisted living.

Can’t Handle Daily Activities

Another clear sign that it is time to start looking at senior living communities is when your loved one is no longer able to handle daily activities on their own. Things like getting groceries or going to the doctor are no longer possible without the help of relatives or friends. This is a sign that an assisted living community is a good fit for your loved one.

This is especially true if your loved one lives in a home that requires maintenance and lawn care. Those are big tasks for even the healthiest adult, let alone an elderly adult with different ailments that they’re battling. These things also carry with them an increased likelihood of injury.

If you find that your elderly loved one is struggling with completing everyday tasks and activities then it is time to find an assisted living center.

Poor Eating Habits

Poor eating habits are another clear sign that your loved one should consider moving into an assisted living center. This often comes as a result of an inability to cook their own food and it leads to eating unhealthy junk food that requires little to no preparation. Good nutrition is vital for your loved one’s immune system and body as a whole.

Moving them to senior living communities will help because they won’t need to buy groceries and prepare their own meals. They’ll be served meals that are nutritious multiple times each day. This will help them live a long and healthy life while looking after their specific needs.

Bad Hygiene

Bad hygiene is also a sign that it might be time to make the move to a senior living community. Bad hygiene is often related to an inability to handle the daily tasks that are expected of an adult. It is also a possible sign of dementia as the person’s hygiene is often one of the first things that they lose.

This results in bathing less often and not doing an adequate job of cleaning themselves when they do remember to bathe. If your loved one can no longer care for their basic needs then it is a clear sign that it is time for them to move to community assisted living.

Wandering Off

Possibly the most dangerous of all signs that your loved one needs a senior living community is if they have a tendency to wander off. This is a very real fear if your loved one lives on their own and has deteriorating mental conditions. If this is your loved one then you owe it to them to find the best senior living communities for their needs and wellbeing.

Start Looking at Senior Living Communities for Your Loved One Today

Senior living communities provide a ton of value for elderly people. They help those facing deteriorating health conditions that prevent them from living an active and independent lifestyle. It is important for their health that you keep an eye out for signs like wandering off and forgetting to take their medicine. You should also consider an assisted living community if you’re worried about them falling.

For more helpful articles, make sure you check out our blog.

Millions of people struggle with mental health issues and relationship issues. Instead of trying to solve them on their own, they seek the help of a counselor.

About 40% of Americans worked with a counselor at some point in their lives. As we’re becoming more aware of mental health issues, the stigma around counselling isn’t as strong as it used to be.

If you’re ready to get the help you need to move forward in your life, counselling is a great way to do it. Choosing a counselor is a big decision because that relationship determines your success.

Do you want to know what to look for in counselling services? Read this guide to find out.

1. Specializations

What kind of treatment do you need? Some people need couples counselling, while others need help with anxiety and depression.

Get a clear idea of what you need help with and what you want to accomplish in counselling. Then look for a counselor that matches those needs.

You’ll first notice that there are counselling clinics and independent practitioners. A clinic has several options for counselors, so you’ll need to look at the individual bios of counselors on a clinic’s website.

2. Cost of Services

The cost of services is a concern for people seeking counselling, especially if you don’t have insurance. If you do have insurance, check your policy to see if it covers mental health services. If so, look for counselors in-network.

People that don’t have insurance coverage for counselling have to pay out-of-pocket. Counselors may offer a reduced rate or a sliding scale for cash payments.

3. Years of Experience

How long has the practitioner been in practice? What kind of licenses and certifications do they have?

It’s important to work with a counselor that has several years of experience in private practice or in a clinical setting. You can find out about a counselor’s experience on their website or by contacting them directly.  

4. They Understand You

Counselling is a very personal path. You have to be comfortable with the counselor because you’re going to share things with them that you don’t tell anyone else.

You might feel more comfortable if the counselor is a man or a woman. A counselor who is or trained in LGBT issues would understand the conflict and anxiety of being LGBT.

5. Ask Questions

It may take a few tries to find a counselor who’s a great fit for you. When you first sit down with a counselor, ask questions about their background and experience.

If they seem defensive or unwelcoming, they’re not a good fit for you. A counselor that is open to questions and answers them without reservation is likely to be that way the entire time you work with them.

Choosing a Counselor Is an Important Decision

Don’t take choosing a counselor lightly. The relationship you develop is one of trust and guidance. You want to find a counselor that understands you and you feel comfortable with.

This guide gave you the tools you need to find a counselor. Check out the Family Life section of this site for healthy living and tips to reduce your stress.

Did you know that the American Psychological Association reports couples counseling as about 75 percent effective? That means three in four couples who enter marriage therapy have a shot at resolving marriage problems.

Have you ever thought about marriage therapy to help with problems you and your spouse experience? Here are some benefits of marriage counseling, and how to find the best couples therapy counselor.

Better Communication Between Spouses

Communication is a key factor in successful relationship management, but many married couples struggle with it. This could be due to differences in communication styles or how you choose to express your emotions to your partner.

In the marriage industry, counselors often encourage couples to use feeling words when talking to one another. Feeling words prevent assumptions and show emotions, rather than stating what you believe to be true.

Learn More About Each Other

Even if you have been married for many years, you may still not know everything about your partner. The best couples therapy will help you to discover more about each other in a safe environment.

Your marriage counselor may give you a list of questions or prompts to ask one another over a period of time. It may start out with simple questions and delve into deeper, more intimate ones as you get more comfortable with each other in the process.

Work Through Past Traumas

Sometimes marriage therapy can allow past traumas to resurface that may have an impact on one or both parties in the relationship. When you get those uncomfortable feelings, it is vital that you work through them, rather than pushing them back down.

Your marriage counselor might recommend talking it through with your partner as a way of coping with your trauma. You can also do activities like exposure therapy. This will help you to get over any persistent triggers that impact how you operate in your relationships.

Set New Goals Together

After you work on solving your current and past problems, your relationship coach will help you to set new goals for your marriage. This way, you can always have something you work toward together as a couple.

Goals can be specific or generalized, depending on what you want out of your relationship. For instance, you could make a goal of simply spending more time together. For a more specific goal, could dedicate two times a week to going out together and getting a babysitter for the kids.

So Many Benefits of Marriage Therapy

You should not have to worry about solving problems with your spouse on your own. With marriage therapy, you can find the best marriage counselor for your needs and work through issues together to build a better life.

Want to learn more about how to manage your family, children, and relationships? Take a look around our site for more tips, tricks, and inspiration on living your best life with the ones you love.