Drinking enough water is important for everyone, especially as we get older. A study from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that staying hydrated helps people stay healthier, avoid chronic illnesses, and even live longer.

Why Water Matters? Water keeps our bodies working properly. It helps control body temperature, carry nutrients, and remove waste. As we age, we may not feel thirsty as often, which makes it easier to get dehydrated. This can cause health problems.

The NIH study looked at data from over 11,000 adults over 30 years. Higher sodium levels in the blood is often a sign of not drinking enough water and may lead to causing additional problems such as more likely to:

• Age faster
• Develop diseases like heart failure, stroke, diabetes, and dementia
• Die earlier

How Much Water Do You Need? The National Academies of Medicine suggests:

• Women: 6-9 cups (1.5-2.2 liters) per day
• Men: 8-12 cups (2-3 liters) per day.

This includes water, juice, and water-rich foods like fruits and vegetables.

Easy Ways to Drink More Water:

• Set reminders: Use alarms or notes to remind yourself to drink water
• Eat foods with water: Cucumbers, watermelon, oranges, and soups help keep you hydrated.
• Keep water handy: A favorite bottle or cup can encourage more drinking.
• Check urine color: Light yellow urine means you’re well-hydrated (and clear color means you are super-well hydrated)
• Follow medical advice: Some health conditions may require different water intake levels, so check with a doctor if needed.

Why Do Caregivers Need to Hydrate Too? Caregivers also need to drink enough water to stay energized and focused. Dehydration can cause tiredness, headaches, and trouble concentrating, making caregiving harder.

By making hydration a daily habit, both caregivers and seniors can stay healthier and feel better. A simple glass of water can make a big difference!

While staying hydrated is important, drinking too much water can be harmful. In rare cases, excess water can dilute sodium levels in the blood, leading to hyponatremia. This condition can cause weakness, nausea, fatigue, confusion, and muscle cramps.

To stay healthy, focus on drinking enough water, not too little and not too much. Listen to your body, and if you have any health concerns, consult a doctor.

Women’s Month is a time to celebrate and acknowledge the incredible contributions of women across various fields, and one area where women play a pivotal role is in the caregiving industry. At Caregiverlist, we are proud to support this workforce by providing comprehensive training and certification for individuals who aspire to become professional caregivers. As a company dedicated to enhancing the caregiving industry, we offer specialized training programs across the USA to help caregivers gain the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their roles. Since women make up the majority of the caregiving profession, especially in home health care, our services directly contribute to empowering women and others to succeed in this vital field. During Women’s Month, we reflect on how our work supports the caregiving community, ensuring that all caregivers are equipped to deliver compassionate and high-quality care while fostering a workforce that is both respected and valued.

Scientists have made an exciting discovery that could speed up the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. Instead of waiting years to see how the disease develops in the brain, researchers have created a miniature lab model that replicates Alzheimer’s processes in just six weeks. This breakthrough, called “Alzheimer’s in a dish,” allows scientists to study the condition more quickly and test new treatments much faster than before.

By using a special algorithm called Integrative Pathway Activity Analysis (IPAA), the team confirmed that their lab-grown brain model accurately mirrors the changes seen in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. This means they can now better understand how the disease progresses and which drugs might work best.

One test showed that a drug called losmapimod, which targets a key brain pathway linked to cell damage, significantly reduced Alzheimer’s-related harm in the model. Researchers are now using this method to test hundreds of drugs, hoping to find more effective treatments for Alzheimer’s.

This innovation is a big step forward, offering hope for faster, more affordable drug development. For families affected by Alzheimer’s, this could mean quicker progress toward finding better therapies to improve lives.

Veterans Who Qualify for Care in a Nursing Home May Now Receive the Same Care in the Comfort of Their Own Home

The Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act (H.R. 542 and S. 141) was signed into law by former President Biden on January 2, 2025, to expand home health care benefits for veterans. Championed by Rep. Julia Brownley (D-CA) with bipartisan support, the Act passed the House with a 414-5 vote and was unanimously approved by the Senate.

The Act allows qualifying veterans to receive 100% covered home-based care through licensed agencies, providing services like nursing, therapy, and caregiving. This shifts funds typically used for nursing homes to in-home care, aligning with veterans’ preferences to age in place.

Elizabeth Dole’s foundation, focused on veterans’ care, advocated for this shift, demonstrating the benefits of home-based care. The legislation includes pilot programs for low-population areas and initiatives to expand home and community-based services, including for Native American veterans.

Additionally, the Act extends caregiver benefits, expands VA programs like Veteran Directed Care, and mandates program reviews to close service gaps. It may pave the way for Medicare to adopt similar home care benefits for seniors.

 Caregiverlist offers resources for caregivers, agencies, and families to learn about home care services, costs, and Caregiver training options.

Did you know that Filipinos have a term called “bayanihan“, that means working together to help each other. In the past, it referred to neighbors helping a family move their house by carrying it together. Today, it means people coming together to assist those in need, especially during crises. The recent California fires revealed the true spirit of “bayanihan“, with people uniting to help those affected, among the heroes were prisoners working as firefighters, earning less than $2 an hour, yet risking their lives to save everyone.

The devastation hit seniors particularly hard. Many lost not only their homes but also their sense of safety and stability. Caregivers, who often serve as their lifeline, faced the challenge of finding new ways to support their clients amid the chaos. For seniors, losing their homes means losing familiar spaces where they feel secure, and the disruption can be overwhelming.

But even in this tragedy, small acts of kindness make a big difference. As Elissa Strauss writes in her book When You Care, “The smallest acts of kindness can spark hope and healing. Whether it’s writing letters of encouragement or volunteering time, caregivers have the power to create light in the darkest of times.”

Remember, one of the most simple ways to make a difference is by providing companionship and a listening ear.

On January 2, 2025, President Biden signed into law the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act, commonly known as the Dole Act.

The White House This comprehensive legislation aims to enhance support for veterans, their caregivers, and families by:

• Expanding In-Home Care: The Act increases the cap on home care costs covered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), allowing veterans to receive more extensive in-home services.
• Establishing Assisted Living Pilot Program: A pilot program is introduced to provide eligible veterans with access to assisted living care, offering alternatives to traditional nursing home facilities.
• Enhancing Caregiver Support: The legislation improves mental health services for caregivers and extends benefits to those caring for elderly and infirmed veterans.
• Improving Access to VA Services: The Act addresses various aspects of veterans’ healthcare, economic opportunities, disability and memorial affairs, homelessness, and oversight, aiming to reduce bureaucratic obstacles and improve service delivery.

Named after former Senator Elizabeth Dole, a dedicated advocate for veterans’ issues, the Act represents a significant advancement in modernizing and expanding support systems for veterans and their families.

Rep. Juila Brownley, a Democrat of California, and Senator Jerry Moran, a Republican representing the state of Kansas, submitted this bill which means both parties agree on it! Caregivers are trained to provide care in the home and the one-on-one care delivers more care services than in a nursing home where 1 caregiver may care for as many as 10 to 12 residents.

Understanding the risks and taking proactive steps can make a big difference in health and safety. With respiratory illnesses like seasonal influenza and “walking pneumonia” becoming more common during this time of year, staying prepared is important to avoid risks.

Cold and flu season can be particularly challenging for seniors and caregivers. Seniors face higher risks of flu-related complications, with up to 85% of flu-related deaths and 50-70% of hospitalizations occurring in people over 65. Caregivers should monitor older adults closely for severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, persistent dizziness, or worsening coughs.

Key Steps to Stay Healthy and Safe

Get Vaccinated:

• The flu vaccine is highly effective in preventing serious illness
• Seniors over 65 should consider vaccines like the Fluzone High-Dose or Fluad Quadrivalent, which are designed for stronger immune responses
• The CDC recommends getting vaccinated in September or October for optimal protection

Practice Basic Hygiene:

• Wash hands frequently with soap and water
• Avoid touching your face, and clean high-touch surfaces regularly
• Wear a mask if you or someone near you is unwell

Recognize Symptoms:

• Flu symptoms include fatigue, fever, cough, muscle soreness, and sore throat. In children, vomiting and diarrhea may occur
• Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen, especially for those with chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or weakened immune systems

Understand Flu Transmission:

• Flu spreads through droplets from coughing, sneezing, or talking and can be contagious 1 day before symptoms appear and up to 7 days after

Consider Antivirals:

• Antiviral medications like Tamiflu® can shorten the duration of the flu if taken within two days of symptom onset

If Caring for Someone with the Flu

• Use proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and avoid face-to-face contact
• Wash hands often and wear gloves when handling tissues or soiled items
• Encourage hydration and rest, and ensure the individual avoids close contact with others

Recent research has highlighted a strong link between the consumption of ultraprocessed foods, like processed meats, sodas, flavoured yogurts, instant noodles, and an increased risk of dementia. Studies suggest that these foods may negatively impact brain health by affecting blood vessels, displacing healthier nutrients, and even damaging brain cells.

For example, according to the NY Times article written by Dana G. Smith and Alice Callahan, a U.S. study tracking over 130,000 U.S. adults over 43 years, during which time 11,173 participants developed dementia. Those who ate roughly two servings of processed red meat per week faced a 14% higher risk of developing dementia compared to those who consumed fewer than three servings per month. Similar findings support this connection, the study conducted in Brazil with more than 10,000 middle-aged adults, it was observed that individuals who consumed 20% or more of their daily calories from ultraprocessed foods showed a more rapid decline in cognitive abilities over an eight-year period. Another research involving over 72,000 older adults in the UK over a decade found that a diet with a 10% higher intake of ultraprocessed foods was linked to a 25% greater risk of developing dementia. Similarly, a study of 30,000 Americans over an 11-year span found that a 10% increase in ultraprocessed food consumption was associated with a 16% higher risk of cognitive decline and an 8% higher risk of stroke.

While you cannot conclude that by consuming ultraprocessed food, you’ll definitely get dementia, the evidence is clear enough to encourage a shift toward healthier eating habits.

For caregivers, when caring for others, adopting and modeling healthy eating can improve your cognitive abilities leading to a healthy brain, this can be a powerful way to inspire the people under your care. Simple changes, like replacing sugary drinks with water or opting for whole, unprocessed foods, can make a significant difference over time. Remember, even small steps toward a healthier diet can contribute to better brain health and overall well-being for both you and your clients.

Start by making gradual adjustments, focusing on incorporating more fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins into your meals. These changes not only benefit cognitive function but also set a positive example for those in your care.

This Halloween, let’s invite seniors to enjoy simple, fun activities like dressing up, sharing Halloween memories, or making creative crafts. These activities can bring joy, purpose, and a sense of belongingness. When choosing costumes, be mindful to select safe and comfortable options that won’t cause confusion, especially for seniors with memory loss. Many seniors may feel disconnected from traditions, so involving them in Halloween activities can help them feel more included.

For caregivers, these activities are more than just fun but help build trust and stronger connections with seniors. Shared moments like storytelling, making Halloween decorations, or dressing up offer caregivers a chance to learn more about the senior’s lives  and histories.

Here are some ideas to keep seniors actively involved this Halloween:

• Fun Costume: Simple costumes like hats, masks, or capes add excitement and let seniors express themselves. For seniors who might prefer not to wear costumes themselves, caregivers can wear friendly costumes, such as superheroes or cartoon characters, to bring the spirit of Halloween to them. Adding a “costume fashion show” can create a playful atmosphere that lets everyone participate in a way they’re comfortable with.
• Talking About Halloween Memories and Traditions: Many seniors may have warm memories of Halloweens from their childhood or times spent with family. Caregivers can take some time to sit down and discuss Halloween traditions, ask if they remember dressing up or giving out candy, and even swap stories about favorite costumes and spooky tales. This can evoke positive nostalgia and also stimulate memory recall, making it a meaningful and interactive activity.
• Trick-or-Treat Simulations: If trick-or-treaters will visit, talking about what to expect ahead of time can build excitement. If this isn’t possible, caregivers can create a “trick-or-treat” simulation indoors. Dressing up in costumes or masks and handing out candies can be a lighthearted, engaging activity. Seniors can participate by choosing candy to “hand out” to staff, family, or fellow residents, promoting a sense of involvement in Halloween traditions without the potential stress of surprises.
• Halloween Movie Marathon or Storytelling: Familiar or light-hearted Halloween movies, like classic spooky cartoons, are a great way to create a fun atmosphere. For seniors who prefer quiet activities, watching a classic movie or reading seasonal stories together can bring a fun sense of Halloween while being mindful of each person’s comfort level.

Caring for others comes with the challenges of managing the emotional journey of caregiving. As your aging clients are dealing with the losses of loved ones, along with the losses of physical capabilities, it’s natural that some days will be emotionally challenging. Healthy mood boosters are tools you can use to bring a smile to yourself and others and relieve stress.

Here are some simple strategies that can help you—and your clients—lift your mood:

Taking a quick one- or two-minute walk each hour can do wonders for your mood. Not only does it lower blood pressure, but it also lightens your mental load. Even stepping outside to feel the sun on your face can provide an instant lift.

Engaging in a creative activity like drawing, coloring, or doodling can lower stress and improve your mood. Art therapy taps into our brain’s reward pathway, releasing dopamine and helping to process emotions. This doesn’t have to be a major project, something quick and simple can be enough to shift your energy.

Get up and move! Dancing around the room, stretching, or even doing a few household chores can work wonders. Physical activity helps release tension and breaks the monotony of caregiving routines.

Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) videos, those featuring soft sounds like whispering, tapping, or even makeup application can help lower your heart rate and create a sense of calm. If you find the right trigger, watching just a few minutes can be incredibly soothing.

The gentle sound of rain falling can create a peaceful ambiance and help quiet the mind. Incorporating calming background noise, whether it’s nature sounds or soft music, can bring immediate relaxation.

Music is a powerful tool for mood management. Whether it’s singing, playing an instrument, or just swaying to your favorite tunes, music has the ability to boost energy both you and your client.