April 11, 2025 by
Caregiving is often seen as exhausting, stressful, and all-consuming. And let’s be honest—it can be. The late nights, the constant worry, the emotional ups and downs of caregiving all take a toll. But here’s something surprising: caregiving isn’t just about giving. It also gives back. (more…)
April 4, 2025 by
You’ve likely experienced it before: an older loved one with dementia becomes stuck on a thought, anxious about something that isn’t a real threat, or determined to do something unsafe. No amount of logic seems to help. Trying to reason with someone with dementia only escalates the situation. It’s frustrating, emotional, and exhausting. (more…)
March 19, 2025 by
For many, the simple act of conversation is a joy taken for granted. A shared chuckle over a steaming cup of coffee, recounting cherished memories, or expressing affection with a heartfelt “I love you”—these moments form the fabric of our daily lives. However, problems with speaking for someone with Parkinson’s disease can make even simple communications challenging. (more…)
March 13, 2025 by
Children are naturally observant, and when a loved one begins showing signs of dementia, they may have a lot of questions. “Why does Grandma forget my name?” “Why does Grandpa keep asking me the same thing?” “Did I do something wrong?” As a parent, you might not always have immediate answers, but the most important thing is to create an open, reassuring space for discussion when kids have questions about dementia. (more…)
March 6, 2025 by
Does it ever feel like your entire day revolves around saying yes? Yes to running another errand, taking on one more favor, or squeezing in yet another task when you’re already stretched thin. Caregiving, especially for a loved one, can make it easy to fall into the habit of constantly accommodating others. But here’s the reality: always saying yes can leave you physically drained, mentally exhausted, and emotionally depleted. The key to being more effective, present, and balanced is learning how—and when—to say no as a caregiver. (more…)
February 19, 2025 by
Do you wake up each morning wondering what kind of conflict you’re going to face with your aging parent today? If every day seems fraught with conversations that leave you feeling frustrated, maybe it’s time to try something new! Help both of you break out of the rut you’re stuck in with these expert communication tips and end disagreements with an aging parent. (more…)
February 14, 2025 by
Chronic illness has a way of reshaping life, for both the person living with it and you as a family caregiver. You can see how it changes the rhythm of their days, forcing them to adjust plans and find new ways to manage the unexpected. While the illness may create obstacles, it doesn’t have to define their life—or yours! Here are 10 creative tools to help someone you love not just cope, but discover how to begin thriving with a chronic health condition. (more…)
February 10, 2025 by
You ask a simple question: “What would you like for breakfast?” But rather than a response, you’re met with hesitation, confusion, and a long pause. You’ve likely experienced moments like this while caring for someone with Alzheimer’s, where words seem just out of reach and conversations feel more like challenges than connections. When verbal communication starts to fade, it’s easy to feel at a loss. But the truth is, connection doesn’t rely solely on words. Nonverbal communication in Alzheimer’s may just be the key you’re looking for to stay connected. (more…)
January 17, 2025 by
Have you ever stood in front of the fridge, unable to decide what to eat, even though you’re starving? Or stared at a to-do list, paralyzed by where to start? That crushing sense of mental exhaustion, where even the smallest choices feel impossible, is known as decision fatigue. It’s something many caregivers experience daily as they juggle the countless responsibilities that come with supporting someone they love. (more…)
January 10, 2025 by
We often think of goal setting as something reserved for younger years—setting career milestones, saving for a house, or training for a marathon. But age should never be a factor! Goal setting for older adults can be a powerful motivator, offering a renewed sense of purpose and direction. I’ve seen firsthand how setting even small, manageable goals can bring incredible joy and accomplishment, no matter your stage in life. (more…)