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Thanksgiving gatherings can help families notice changes in an older loved one’s care needs because relatives often spend more time together than they do during ordinary phone calls or brief visits. Adult children may notice changes in mobility, personal care, eating habits, memory, household routines, or social behavior that were difficult to recognize from a […]

National Home Health Care Month in November can help families understand that, when medically appropriate, recovering at home may allow an older adult to receive needed services while remaining in familiar surroundings. Skilled home health professionals may provide nursing, therapy, and other services according to an individualized care plan. Families may also combine home health

National Dental Hygiene Month, observed in October, can support better overall health for older adults by encouraging regular oral hygiene, appropriate dental care, and early attention to changes involving the teeth, gums, mouth, and dentures. Oral health remains important throughout life. For older adults, problems such as dry mouth, gum disease, tooth loss, medication effects,

World Food Day, observed on October 16, can encourage better nutrition and healthy aging by reminding older adults, families, and caregivers that nutritious food is an important part of maintaining health and everyday function. As people age, changes in appetite, mobility, medications, health conditions, and the ability to shop or prepare meals can affect nutrition.

Food and Drug Interactions Awareness Week can promote safer medication use for older adults by reminding families and caregivers that foods, beverages, supplements, and medications can sometimes affect one another. Older adults are more likely to take multiple medications, which can make careful medication management especially important. The observance is a useful time to review

Organize Your Medical Information Month can help families manage an older adult’s healthcare needs by encouraging them to gather important health information in one secure, easy-to-update place. A current list of medications, healthcare providers, medical conditions, allergies, insurance information, and emergency contacts can make appointments and unexpected situations easier to manage. October is a useful

Global Handwashing Day, observed on October 15, can encourage better infection prevention for older adults by reminding families, caregivers, and senior care providers that proper handwashing is one of the simplest ways to reduce the spread of many germs. Older adults may be more vulnerable to complications from certain infections, making everyday hygiene especially important.

Residents’ Rights Month can help families better understand that older adults receiving long-term care have important rights related to dignity, privacy, choice, communication, and participation in their care. Observed each October, the month provides an opportunity for residents, families, caregivers, and care providers to learn more about these protections. Understanding residents’ rights can help families

Long Term Care Planning Month can help families prepare for future senior care needs by encouraging important conversations before a crisis occurs. Observed in October, it is a useful time to discuss where an older adult wants to live, what type of help may eventually be needed, who will participate in care decisions, and how

World Mental Health Day can encourage better emotional support for older adults by reminding families, caregivers, and communities to pay attention to emotional well-being as well as physical health. Observed each year on October 10, the day provides an opportunity to talk openly about mental health, recognize meaningful changes in mood or behavior, reduce isolation,