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 »
In a perfect world, our family relationships would all be positive and helpful. We would manage transitional times cooperatively, smoothly, and without any disagreement. As our parents grow older, it would be a seamless process to meet their current needs and their needs in the future. The truth, however, is that being an adult child
When and How to Seek Guardianship of An Elderly Parent 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 »
There has long been an assumption that once someone was given a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or another type of progressive dementia, the only option was nursing home care. After all, it is not possible for someone to experience life at home alone with dementia and be safe – or is it?
The Pros and Cons of Life at Home Alone With Dementia Read More »
Recent research sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association is revealing some unexpected results in how dementia symptoms may show differently in Hispanic people. While more investigation is necessary to fully understand whether these differences are the result of social/cultural nuances or even the dementia itself, it is important information for Latino families to understand.
Dementia Symptoms in Hispanic People May Progress Differently Read More »
Consider the various tools you make use of each day – your phone, hairbrush, toothbrush – simple items, but ones you cannot envision living without. For scores of seniors, there are basic adaptive devices available that may mean the difference between living at home and facing a move to assisted living. Yet nearly 50% of
There’s nothing better than a tall, cold drink on a hot summer day, but when dysphagia in the elderly is a concern, this simple pleasure could be downright dangerous. Dysphagia – or trouble with swallowing – impacts millions of older adults, due to weakened mouth and/or throat muscles. Alzheimer’s, MS, cancer, and stroke are all
Tips to Help Manage Dysphagia in the Elderly Read More »
