Voting: An Evolution

We have been made aware that November 5th is election day. Politics have been going on for the better part of a year.  Even though you are probably “sick” of hearing all the banter, voting is important. The vote did not come easy in our democracy. The founding fathers of our USA decided that the first six presidents were to

A Therapy Cat is Incarcerated

Louisa’s Story Hi! My name is Louisa. Let me tell you about being incarcerated. It is a big word, and it means I spent time in jail. That is what happens when you do not listen to your family. First, a brief introduction about myself. After I grew up, I was a single mother to nine (yes nine) kittens. My

Pain Awareness Month & Chronic Pain Tips

When you feel pain, it’s your body signaling that something isn’t right. Seeking medical support is the first step to ease pain. Together with your doctor, you will hopefully discover the underlying cause of the pain and work to resolve the issue. However, some conditions and injuries can result in persistent pain. If your pain lasts six months or longer,

Prepare For Your Aging Journey

Are you prepared for the next step in your aging journey? It’s crucial for older adults to have a plan in place before the need arises. Making these decisions when you are well allows your wishes to be carried out when you need extra care. This proactive approach ensures that your preferences are respected and reduces stress for both you

Senior Skin Safety

older woman showing sunscreen bottle

UV Safety Month The warm sun in July reminds us to protect our skin from the harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation while outdoors. It’s easy to forget that protection is important year round and for all ages. It’s even more important to protect aging skin from environmental factors. Since people are living longer, those that reach the age of 65 can

Outshine The Darkness of Alzheimer’s

Outshine the Darkness of Alzehiemers

Summer Solstice serves as a reminder of the cycles of light and darkness in our lives. While we bask in the joy of long sunny days, it’s important to acknowledge the shadows cast by Alzheimer’s disease. This condition can cause our loved ones to live in a world of fog and forgetfulness, isolating them from the world they once knew.

How 24-Hour Care Benefits Seniors Living with Alzheimer’s

A young, female nurse helps an elderly woman keep her balance. To the left of the nurse is the Good Shepherd logo.

An estimated 6.7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, a form of dementia that affects memory. Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s is one of the hardest jobs a caregiver can take on, but it’s important not to give up hope. With 24-hour care from a licensed nurse or caregiver, seniors with Alzheimer’s can continue to experience the

How Occupational Therapy Promotes Independence in Seniors

An older, African American man lifts weights with the help of a female occupational therapist. In the bottom right of the graphic is the Good Shepherd logo.

Time moves fast; it’s important to attend to the well-being—both mental and physical—of aging loved ones so you can ensure their safety and focus on spending quality time with them. Occupational therapy (OT) uses clinically proven exercises and activities to improve seniors’ mental, physical, and emotional well-being, allowing them to live fulfilling, independent lives.   Understanding Senior Occupational Therapy  Occupational therapy

Coping with Winter Blues: Mental Health Support for Seniors

During the winter season, many seniors experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), sometimes referred to as “the winter blues.” SAD is a type of depression that is associated with a specific time of year, especially fall and winter. Mental health professionals don’t conclusively know the cause of SAD—the most popular theory is that a decrease in sun exposure alters the brain’s

How Socialization Promotes Positive Mental Health Among Seniors

A Series of Polaroid-style pictures depicting groups of seniors enjoying several different types of gatherings, including card games, meals, and more.

Studies have shown that staying connected with others plays a vital role in leading a fulfilling life, so it’s no surprise that seniors that regularly engage in social activities consistently report higher rates of happiness than those who live detached from their peers.   Regular socialization helps keep seniors’ minds active and naturally builds a network of social support they can