Senior Care

Helping older adults manage dangerous summer temperatures

With 100-plus degree temperatures setting records and two-thirds of the state recently subject to heat advisories, hot weather is making its sometimes-deadly impact in Minnesota. Older adults are especially vulnerable to hot weather, as aging bodies lose the ability to quickly and easily adapt to high heat. Often compounding the problem are prescription drugs that …

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Seasonal allergies in older adults

Spring’s bounty brings lovely flowering trees and blissful sunshine. Lurking in the warm air for many people, though, are pollens and other allergens that can cause great discomfort. If your senior is suffering from sneezing, a runny nose, and watery, itchy eyes, and it’s clearly seasonal allergies, she’ll probably want relief with an antihistamine. Note, …

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Caregiver Training: What Pinnacle Requires

What kinds of training does a caregiver get before taking care of seniors? Not all agencies require the extensive training that Pinnacle does. According to Karin Malkowski Stende, trainer/human resources associate, Pinnacle requires “very intensive, 30-plus hours of classroom and on-site training that new staff are expected to complete during their initial two weeks of …

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The Stress of Hot Weather on Seniors

The recent stretch of hot weather in Minnesota had everyone looking for relief. And aging adults are more likely to experience the effects of hot weather than younger adults. Physically, older adults cannot adjust to significant changes in temperature the way younger adults can. What’s more, prescription drugs can also reduce the body’s ability to …

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Guardian vs. Conservator: What’s the difference?

As defined by the courts, a guardian is someone appointed to make decisions about health care, living arrangements and other personal issues for a protected person. A conservator is appointed to make financial decisions such as entering into contracts, paying bills and investing assets for a protected person. How much power do they have over …

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