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 »
“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” – Dr. Seuss, The Lorax Advocating for a loved one is probably one of the greatest honors – and responsibilities – you will have as a family caregiver. It means fully comprehending the other person’s needs and wishes,
Advocating for a Loved One: Four Things to Remember Read More »
Even when memory loss and confusion escalate throughout the end stages of Alzheimer’s, there’s a fascinating and welcome reprieve that often occurs. Previously termed “terminal lucidity,” it’s more commonly referred to now as “paradoxical lucidity.” It signifies an unexpected, temporary regaining of clarity to a nearly pre-dementia state of mind. During this time period, the
The End Stages of Alzheimer’s: What We Can Learn When Lucidity Returns Read More »
It is easy to get caught up in the everyday tasks of caregiving for an older adult you love. There is a great deal to be done, and sometimes it’s just simpler and more efficient to do it all on your own, letting a loved one relax. After all, our elders have taken care of
Aging with Dignity: 4 Ways to Help Seniors Maintain Independence at Home Read More »
“Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.” – Dr. Seuss Memories are what binds together our past with who we are today; and for someone with dementia, confusion around these memories can have a powerful impact. One of our goals in taking care of seniors with dementia
Helping Seniors with Dementia Through Memory Books Read More »
While circus clowns and comedians may stir audiences to laughter over such stunts as slipping on a banana peel, there’s nothing funny about falling when it comes to older adults, who happen to be at a greater risk for serious injuries that could lead to a lengthy rehabilitation process. Not only that, but there’s a
Fall Prevention Strategies to Implement After a Senior Falls Read More »
After months of isolating, quarantining, and distancing from friends and family, stay-at-home orders are relaxed this summer. However, for older adults in particular, is it safe to head out?
Comparing the Risks of Going Out Versus Loneliness in Seniors Read More »
You may not recognize her by name, but you’ve likely heard her story. Joy Milne has an incredibly unique talent: detecting Parkinson’s disease through her sense of smell. Her gift came to light when she detected what she describes as an “overpowering sort of nasty yeast smell” in her husband of ten years. Soon noticing
A Parkinson’s Diagnosis May Be Easier Now Thanks to This Woman’s Sense of Smell Read More »
A senior who exhibits memory loss, confusion, poor judgment, repetition, and difficulty completing daily activities has the telltale signs of Alzheimer’s disease, right? Actually, what appears to be a clear-cut case of Alzheimer’s may in fact be a recently discovered dementia.
Is It Really Alzheimer’s, or Could It Be LATE? Read More »
Family financial affairs are often a taboo subject, as well as the cause of many different arguments, enhanced emotions, and misunderstandings. And for lots of today’s seniors, who maintain a “Depression mentality” from many years of saving for a rainy day and learning to “waste not, want not,” it may be hard for them to
Top Tips for Helping Elderly Parents with Finances Read More »
