Caring for an aging parent often means becoming their confidant and cheerleader. It should never be just about managing medications or medical appointments; you are enriching their life, making each and every day more meaningful. It is amazing what a [...] Read More
Common small successes for a person with dementia—like tying their own shoes or fixing what they want to have for lunch—can feel monumental. These experiences boost self-confidence for someone with dementia while strengthening their sense of identity in the middle [...] Read More
Imagine if your mother, who has always had a knack for gardening, decides she wants to redesign the family garden. Though she might move a little slower than she used to, her passion for gardening hasn’t decreased. This can be [...] Read More
Summertime is a prime time for power outages. For many of us, it is a minor inconvenience; however for older adults, it may cause an actual safety concern. The simplest way to handle sudden power outages is through proactive preparation [...] Read More
You have just started exploring in-home care choices for a loved one, and you’re becoming somewhat overwhelmed. There are countless options to consider, and many new and unfamiliar terms to understand. Take, for example, the plan of care. What is [...] Read More
Taking care of a loved one with dementia is unlike any other responsibility you will tackle. It requires you to dig deep down into your reserves of patience, flexibility, and perhaps most importantly, creativity. You need to be prepared to [...] Read More
Striking up a conversation with a family member with cancer can sometimes be awkward and leave you feeling unsure of what to say. Should you bring up their diagnosis right away, or avoid the C word altogether? Is it ok [...] Read More
Caring for an older adult at home can put a strain on family dynamics. Siblings may disagree on care decisions, adult children may feel stressed, and aging parents may resist help. Effective family communication is vital to bridge the gap [...] Read More
One positive thing about Alzheimer’s disease is it has captured the attention of researchers everywhere who are motivated to discover new treatment options. When an individual you love is diagnosed with the disease, however, the urgency to find help is [...] Read More
Though we may dread the alarm going off on Monday mornings, having a career outside of the home is extremely important for many of us. It is a big component of our identity, signifying the time and effort we’ve invested [...] Read More
A dementia diagnosis is never easy. It is the start of a difficult rollercoaster of emotions, all of which are heightened if the diagnosis is given starkly, without compassion or empathy. There are steps doctors can (and should) take when [...] Read More
It is a challenging predicament many family caregivers encounter: your elderly parents, who once looked after you, now resist the aid they so desperately need to remain safe and comfortable living at home. Family members face a delicate balance between [...] Read More
Have you ever said the wrong thing? Maybe your objective was to compliment a friend on her new haircut, but you came across sounding like you were criticizing her previous hairstyle. Selecting our words carefully is always important, but even [...] Read More
As we grow older, it’s natural to become more apprehensive about the possibility of falling. For many people, however, the fear of falling can be paralyzing, causing a decrease in physical activity, social engagement, and overall quality of life. It [...] Read More
If you’ve ever felt invisible as a family caregiver, you’re not alone. Caring for someone you love takes center stage, and you may find that your own needs are put on the back burner. A recent listening session, however, allowed [...] Read More
Accessibility
