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…)
January 3, 2025 by
Falling is something we rarely think about until it happens. A quick misstep, a slippery floor, or even just standing too quickly can turn into a life-altering moment. And yet, falls are becoming an epidemic, especially among older adults. What’s surprising isn’t just how common they are, but how the risk seems to be increasing despite advances in healthcare, safety, and technology. So exactly why does falling keep getting worse, and what steps can we take towards reducing fall risks for older adults? (more…)
December 17, 2024 by
Anyone who’s cared for an aging parent can tell you how overwhelming it can be. But meeting the care needs of both parents at the same time, balancing between two unique sets of needs, schedules, and personalities? If you’re in this role, you may feel like you’re holding it all together by a thread, and there are some important considerations to keep in mind to protect your health and ensure you’re there for both of them in the long run. (more…)
December 11, 2024 by
The way someone with Alzheimer’s experiences the world isn’t always rooted in our current reality. One of the most heart-wrenching yet profound experiences you may encounter is something called time-shifting in Alzheimer’s. This isn’t just forgetting what day it is; it’s a complete immersion in a different era of their life. For instance, you may be sitting together at the dinner table, and suddenly, the person believes they’re a young adult waiting for their parents to come home. It’s disorienting for them and can be equally puzzling for you. But understanding time-shifting can help make those moments more manageable—and even meaningful. (more…)
December 5, 2024 by
If you’ve ever felt that knot of worry while waiting for test results or found yourself wishing for more personalized attention from a doctor, you’re not alone. For so many of us, healthcare feels like navigating a maze with too many unknowns and too little guidance. But with the latest new trends in healthcare on the horizon, those experiences are starting to shift, offering quicker answers, better care options, and, finally, a bit more peace of mind. Here’s how the latest healthcare trends are expected to be game-changing for all of us. (more…)
November 26, 2024 by
“Laura, it’s so good to see you!”
What a sweet greeting this would be…if you actually were Laura. Increasingly, Mom is referring to you as her sister, forgetting that you’re her daughter. Coping with dementia-related memory loss, especially as the disease starts to steal memories and someone you love no longer recognizes your face, can be extremely hard. The sadness is overwhelming, the frustration undeniable, and the questions keep piling up: Why is this happening? What do I do now? (more…)