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 »
Of the many difficult behaviors typical in dementia, possibly the most difficult to manage is aggression. A family member who may have always been mild-mannered can abruptly lash out in outbursts that can be truly frightening: hitting, yelling, cursing, kicking, biting, or throwing objects. How can you, as a family caregiver, safely help re-establish a
For Best Management of Dementia Aggression, Remember These 6 R’s Read More »
A diagnosis may well have been suspected, or maybe you felt broadsided, with a diagnosis coming out of the blue. Mom has just received the official diagnosis for a progressive disease that’s likely to make independent life a challenge. While there are a lot of uncertainties, one thing is for sure: she’s adamant about remaining
Tips for Success When Adjusting to Being a Family Caregiver Read More »
If you were to list the top 5 emotions you experience in meeting the care needs of your elderly parents, what would they be? Maybe you’d first think of feelings like love, compassion, and in some cases, even stress or frustration. Would anger make the list? In many cases, though family care providers wouldn’t wish
Cope with Caring for Aging Parents by Confronting This Emotion Read More »
While we are finally working our way towards the end of the pandemic, we’re figuring out more about how it has impacted the elderly – both emotionally and physically with greater muscle weakness in seniors. We realize older adults have been at an increased danger of serious complications and death due to the COVID-19 virus,
Recognizing Muscle Weakness in Seniors Post-Pandemic Read More »
As our parents age, it is not necessarily easy to know what our role as adult children should be. We’d like whatever is best for them, however if we’re not very careful, we can overstep our boundaries and discover ourselves attempting to parent our elderly parents. This is especially true when safety is an issue.
Learning How to Sensitively Help Elderly Parents Read More »
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 »
Among the first questions in most people’s minds when a member of family is diagnosed with dementia is precisely what can be expected in the time to come. We realize that the progression of dementia is hallmarked by the decline in cognitive abilities and the skills necessary to take care of daily life. However, every
Understanding the Stages and Progression of Dementia Read More »
Exactly what are your very first thoughts when you wake up in the morning? Are you looking forward to what the day holds, or would you like to crawl back underneath the covers and remain there? If you’re experiencing more dread than delight as you consider your caregiving tasks for the day, you are not
Caregiving Tips for Overcoming Common Feelings of Caregiver Dread Read More »
If there is one positive after-effect associated with the pandemic, it’s the attention generated for the plight of family caregivers. Managing work and home life has always been a tremendous challenge for those taking care of a senior relative. As Lindsay Jurist-Rosner, CEO of Wellthy, explains, “Caregiving went from a silent struggle to being in
What Family Caregivers Can Expect for the Post-Pandemic Work-Life Balance Read More »
