Changes in eating habits and weight are common as we grow older. Medication side effects, dental problems, less physical activity due to mobility issues, and other factors need to be explored and either addressed or ruled out. But there’s another possible culprit that may surprise you: eating disorders in seniors.
A Guide to Understanding Eating Disorders in Seniors Read More »
Perhaps you recall having “the talk” with your parents about those cringeworthy pre-teen topics. If you thought that was uncomfortable, brace yourself for how to talk to parents about aging issues and the need for care at home! This can be extremely difficult, for many reasons:
How to Talk to Parents About Aging Issues Read More »
Wouldn’t it be helpful if there was an Alzheimer’s care manual, with step-by-step information on what to anticipate at each stage of the disease? While there are several general commonalities in the progression of dementia, each person’s experience is different. This makes it hard to know what to expect on any given day.
Sudden Worsening of Dementia: Common Causes Read More »
If you think PTSD only happens to those who have experienced life-threatening danger, think again. PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) can arise after any traumatic experience or event. It might surprise you to learn that caring for a loved one is among the main causes of PTSD. However, the condition frequently goes undetected, and thus untreated.
Caregiver PTSD: Risks and Warning Signs Read More »
When caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s, it’s important to remind yourself that you ARE capable, you ARE doing an excellent job, and you ARE making a difference! And while you’re self-affirming, there are several additional “Rs” that can help both you and the person in your care; six of them, to be exact.
Six R’s of Caring for a Loved One With Dementia Read More »
You’ve been taking care of Mom since her diagnosis of dementia. You’ve been working through many of the challenging symptoms. Yet one day, she looks at you and calls you by a different name – that of her husband or father or younger brother. Do you correct her, reminding her that you’re her son? Should
What Should You Do When a Senior With Dementia No Longer Recognizes You Read More »
After a hospitalization or surgical procedure, the doctor may recommend rehab in a temporary care home before the person returns home. This is typically a short-term time of intensive therapy to promote healing and recovery. However, the thought of moving into a nursing home or assisted living facility even for a matter of weeks or
Making Your Loved One Comfortable in a Temporary Care Home Read More »
Creativity, adaptability, and a healthy dose of lighthearted fun are some of the top ingredients to healthy and effective dementia care. It stands to reason then that a spontaneous activity like improvisation is a good way to connect and engage with a person struggling with cognitive challenges. Not only does it enable you to pivot
Improv Activities for Dementia Care: Connecting Through Creativity Read More »
Sinking into a warm, soothing, bubble bath at the end of a stress-filled day, and stepping into a hot, invigorating shower first thing in the morning are daily pleasures for many of us. However, it is possible to have too much of a good thing when it comes to senior hygiene. You might want to
Senior Hygiene: How Often Should an Older Adult Bathe? Read More »
Empathy is, obviously, a crucial characteristic of effectively caring for senior parents. The ability to put yourself in another person’s shoes allows you to better meet their needs. However, there is one particular form of empathy that you need to understand as a caregiver in order to guard your own health and wellness: emotional empathy.
Caring for Senior Parents: How to Manage Emotional Empathy and Avoid Burnout Read More »
