If you are in a successful, long-term relationship, you realize that it requires compromise, commitment, and sacrifice. The happiest relationships are those where both parties selflessly care for one another. This balance shifts, however, if the person you love experiences a serious health concern. And this shift can have an adverse effect on the dynamics […]
Being a Partner, Not a Parent, as a Caregiver for a Spouse Read More »
You’ve determined the family home is just too much for your parents to take care of. A small home is for sale just around the corner from you that’s ideal: a lovely flower garden in the backyard, a bright, updated kitchen, and no stairs to navigate. Now it is time to start the downsizing process.
Downsizing With Dementia and Ways to Ease the Transition of Relocation Read More »
Who could imagine that spending so much time taking care of another person could also make you feel incredibly alone? The reality is that caregiver isolation is extremely common, for a number of reasons:
How to Overcome Caregiver Isolation Read More »
In his documentary about grief, George Shelley uses the analogy of glitter. Toss a handful of glitter into the air, and it’s going to settle into all the cracks and crevices of the room, impossible to fully sweep up and remove. Anyone who has lost a loved one can relate. Yet in some instances, grief
Summary of Broken Heart Syndrome and How to Foster Healing Read More »
If today’s to-dos seem like much more than you are able to possibly fit into 24 short hours, you’re not alone! Family caregivers are frequently overloaded with daily care tasks: Shopping and other errands. Planning and preparing meals. Housework and laundry. Medical appointments. Planning activities that are purposeful and enjoyable for the senior. Personal care
Time Management Tips for Family Caregivers Read More »
The days of “take two aspirin and call me in the morning” have transformed into “take two of these … and two of these … and perhaps one of those, too!” Nearly forty percent of seniors are taking at least five different prescription medications each day – not to mention over-the-counter meds (OTC), vitamins, and
Overmedication: Is an Older Loved One at Risk? Read More »
Benjamin Franklin certainly had it right: An ounce of prevention is really worth a pound of cure. When it comes to discovering and addressing mobility issues in older adults, fall prevention is a must. Falls in older adults result in 3 million emergency room visits, 300,000 hip fractures, and 32,000 deaths every year, according to
Warning Signs That Could Point to Mobility Issues in Older Adults Read More »
“You can make it, but it’s easier if you don’t have to do it alone.” – Betty Ford We know that no man (or woman) is an island, something that especially rings true when caring for someone with dementia. Yet many family caregivers falter when it comes to asking for or accepting the help they
Advice For Caregivers: You Can’t Do It Alone Read More »
From the moment you woke up this morning until the end of an exhausting day, you’ve given your all to your older family member. You provided help with showering and dressing, prepared nutritious meals they like, cleaned the house, made it to their 3:00 hair appointment, and picked up prescriptions and groceries afterwards, all while
Words of Encouragement for Caregivers Who Don’t Feel Appreciated Read More »
If you’ve ever watched small children at the park, you know how effortlessly friendships are formed. A small group can be playing tag, and a newcomer runs over with a breathless, “Can I play?” By and large, the reply is a resounding, “Yes!” and thus – instant friends. If only it were that simple as
How to Begin Making New Friends as Older Adults Read More »
