Articles For Families
Carmen’s Corner: The Use of Polypharmacy
I'm often asked by families about the effects of our residents (your loved ones) using multiple medications for the same condition. The term is called "polypharmacy," and it typically applies to a senior being on five or more medications. Taking a high number of...
The Van Dyk Health Care Story: Part II
by Bob Van Dyk, CEO of Van Dyk Health Care Last month I shared what some might describe as the “accidental” way our family entered this profession and a little bit about our family’s founders, Barney, Marvin, and Bill. What most people know is that our family has...
Fall Prevention At Home
When the season changes from Summer, we all enjoy the beautiful colors in the change of foliage that Fall brings with it. It’s a time to slow our pace and enjoy our surroundings. It’s also a time to discuss Fall Prevention. Falls are one of the leading causes of...
Tips on how to talk with parents about aging
It is difficult talking to your aging parents about changes.Maybe they aren’t eating properly, their house is unusually dirty or they are mis-managing their medications.Talking with parents about changes can be tough but its better to have the conversation...
Summer Safety
It’s a great time to think about safety. As warmer weather lures us outdoors, let’s take the right precautions for our favorite outdoor activities. June is National Safety Month, and the National Safety Council recommends that we pay close attention to...
Tips to convince your loved ones to drink more and avoid dehydration
Dehydration among seniors is a common concern of their physicians and care providers. We simply do not drink enough water. Experts recommend a minimum of five 8-ounce glasses per day. Getting your loved one to increase fluid intake may seem difficult. But...
How To Boost Your Immune System
It's never a convenient time to catch a cold, but when it happens during the winter, it's even worse. The chilly months keep seniors bundled up inside looking for ways to keep busy. But it should not force us to burrow under the covers with a cold. With a healthy...
Winter Activities For Seniors
The cold winter weather can keep many seniors bundled up indoors. It is important to stay busy to keep away those winter blues. They are many winter activities and exercises to keep seniors feeling happy all winter long. Cook together. Nothing warms the heart like a...
Winter Caregiver Depression
The holiday season brings a lot of joy but often for many of us it also comes with unwelcome guests, stress and depression. In an effort to provide the best possible care for a family member or friend, the physical and emotional toll can often be draining and...
Holiday Shopping for your Aging Love One
The best part of the holidays is spending time with your loved ones and watching their face light up as they open the perfect gift. However, coming up with gift ideas for seniors can be difficult. This holiday season we wanted to share some ideas that have helped our...
Self-Kindness
“Giving yourself some loving attention is not selfish. It is sensible. If you feel loved and cherished--even if it is only by yourself--then you will have more love to give to others, too.” ― Penelope Quest, Reiki for Life: A Complete Guide to Reiki Practice. Such...
How To Beat The Winter Blues
There are many reasons to be excited about the holiday season. But winter also means less sunshine and more difficulty getting out of the house. And while you may also be sad that Christmas is over, something else might be to blame: seasonal affective disorder....
How To Make Thanksgiving Special For Seniors
With Thanksgiving right around the corner, you may have started to make your holiday plans. Thanksgiving traditions usually include watching football or the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade but make sure to plan some activities that bring everyone together....
Family Caregivers Month
As we celebrate National Family Caregivers Month in November, we’d like to honor the hard work and dedication of family caregivers. The theme this year is "Caregiving Around The Clock" because caregiving is a 24/7 job. Managing the needs of a loved one is never easy....
Preparing Your Aging Loved One For Winter
Winter will be here before you know it! Taking care of a loved one during the winter is not an easy job. Snow, ice, and freezing temperatures can be dangerous, especially for the elderly. Fall is the perfect time to start planning ahead. There is no better feeling...
Cold Weather Brings on the Arthritis Pains
Over 50 million Americans 18 and older have been diagnosed with Arthritis by a doctor. That’s 1 in 5 adults. You already know how painful and debilitating arthritis can be in it’s worst forms, but during the winter it is even worse. The cold and rainy climate often...
What Seniors Need To Know About Flu Season
Adults 65 and older are at more risk of developing the Flu than the rest of the population. Data provided by the Center for Disease Control shows that this this age group makes up 70% of all flu related hospitalizations every year. The immune system simply weakens...
Robert Van Dyk To Be Honored at AHCA/NCAL conference
Bob Van Dyk, President and CEO of Van Dyk Health Care, was named the recipient of the 2017 Jan Thayer Pioneer Award by the National Center for Assisted Living. He will receive the award Sunday, October 15 at the 68th Annual AHCA/NCAL Convention & Expo in Las...