Elders and Caregivers

Caring for someone can sometimes be overwhelming. As you well know, it can be physically demanding, emotionally draining and cause stress and conflict when combined with other major responsibilities. So, it’s critical for you to take care of your own physical and mental health -- first. This section contains some important ideas and resources for maintaining your health, managing your stress and achieving good nutrition.

Maintaining Your Health

Taking care of your health is important, no matter what your age. This is especially true for caregivers who often overlook their own health needs as they care for loved ones. The section below is just for you! Take a few moments to read through the basic health tips and special health conditions highlighted in this section for a healthier you!

Preventing Disease and Staying Healthy

BASIC HEALTH TIPS

All Health Topics from the U.S. National Library of Medicine & the National Institutes of Heatlh:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/all_healthtopics.html

Aging and Your Eyes:
http://www.nia.nih.gov/health/agepages/eyes.htm

Back Pain:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/backpain.html

Bereavement:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/bereavement.html

Evaluating Health Information:
www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/evaluatinghealthinformation.html

Family Issues:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/familyissues.html

Foot Care:
http://www.nia.nih.gov/health/agepages/footcare.htm

Hearing Loss:
http://www.nia.nih.gov/health/agepages/hearing.htm

Men's Health (General):
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/menshealthgeneral.html

Remember to Exercise:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/exercisephysicalfitness.html

Seniors' Health (General):
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/seniorshealthgeneral.html

Skin Care and Aging:
http://www.nia.nih.gov/health/agepages/skin.htm

Sun Exposure:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/sunexposure.html

Taking Care of Your Teeth and Gums:
http://www.nia.nih.gov/health/agepages/teeth.htm

Using Medicines Safely:
http://www.nia.nih.gov/health/agepages/medicine.htm

Weight Loss / Dieting:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/weightlossdieting.html

Women's Health (General):
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/womenshealthgeneral.html

SPECIAL HEALTH CONDITIONS

Arthritis:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/arthritis.html

Cancer Facts:
http://www.nia.nih.gov/health/agepages/cancer.htm

Diabetes:
http://www.nia.nih.gov/health/agepages/diabetes.htm

Heart Disease / Prevention:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/heartdiseasesprevention.html

High Blood Pressure:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/highbloodpressure.html

Obesity:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/obesity.html

Osteoporosis:
http://www.nia.nih.gov/health/agepages/osteo.htm

Osteoarthritis:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/osteoarthritis.html

Stroke:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/stroke.html

Urinary Incontinence:
http://www.nia.nih.gov/health/agepages/urinary.htm

MANAGING YOUR STRESS

Caregiving can be stressful in its own right, but especially so when other priorities are competing for your attention. Left unmanged, stress can lead to health problems including depression, substance abuse, and chronic health conditions. The information in this section will raise your awareness about stress and provide you with a collection of ideas and tools to help keep your stress under control.

Anxiety:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/anxiety.html

Depression:
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/depressionmenu.cfm

Dementia vs. Depression:
http://neuro.psyc.memphis.edu/NeuroPsyc/np-dx-demen.htm

Exercise:
http://www.nia.nih.gov/health/agepages/exercise.htm

Exercise for Seniors:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/exerciseforseniors.html

Menopause:
http://www.nia.nih.gov/health/agepages/menopause.htm

Substance Abuse (alcohol):
http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/agepage.htm

ACHIEVING GOOD NUTRITION

Eating right is just as important for you as it is for the person that you care for. It also gives you the energy you need to help ward off disease. The information in this section offers suggestions for achieving healthy nutritional habits.

AoA Elderly Nutrition Program Fact Sheet
http://www.aoa.gov/press/fact/pdf/fs_nutrition.pdf

National Policy & Resource Center on Nutrition & Aging
http://www.fiu.edu/~nutreldr/

Food and Nutrition Information Center
http://www.nalusda.gov/fnic/

American Dietetic Association
http://www.eatright.org/index.html

Dietary Guidelines for Americans
http://www.health.gov/dietaryguidelines/

Older Americans Act