June 6, 2024 by
There is no other experience like trying to care for someone with dementia. It requires you to dig deep down into your reserves of flexibility, patience, and perhaps most importantly, creativity. You have to be ready to pivot at a moment’s notice from one strategy to another to promote a fulfilling and enriching life for the person you love, all while managing the more challenging aspects of the condition. (more…)
May 21, 2024 by
Talking to someone you love who is living with cancer can be awkward and uncomfortable for both parties to say the least. Should you jump right in and talk about the elephant in the room, or avoid the C word altogether? Is it ok to try to make the person laugh? What if they start crying? Conversations become loaded with unspoken emotions, and finding the right words isn’t easy. (more…)
May 13, 2024 by
Providing care for an older loved one can cause major tensions amongst the family. Siblings may disagree on care decisions, adult children may feel overwhelmed, and aging parents may resist help. Effective communication is crucial to bridge the gap between differing opinions, ease the burden of caregiving responsibilities, and ensure everyone feels heard and valued. (more…)
May 3, 2024 by
One thing you can count on with Alzheimer’s is a legion of researchers constantly fighting to find the cure. When someone you love is diagnosed with the disease, however, the urgency to find help is all the greater. If this is you, be encouraged! Though Aduhelm, the controversial drug approved by the FDA in 2021, stirred debate and raised questions about its effectiveness and safety, scientists have been diligently working on alternative approaches that offer renewed hope. (more…)
April 18, 2024 by
No one likes to see the end of the weekend, but having a career to attend to on Monday is important to millions of us. It’s a significant part of our identity, signifying the hard work we’ve invested over the years and accomplishments we’ve achieved. So what happens when your parents start to show signs of needing assistance at home? Will you face a choice between a career you love and caring for aging family members that you love more? (more…)
April 11, 2024 by
Having to discuss a dementia diagnosis is never easy from any side of the conversation. It kicks off an emotional rollercoaster of fear, anxiety, uncertainty, grief, and more, all of which are heightened if the diagnosis is given starkly, without empathy or compassion. There are steps doctors can (and should) take when delivering a dementia diagnosis to ease the initial impact, empowering and equipping the individual and family with knowledge and support. (more…)
April 4, 2024 by
It can be difficult to convince parents to accept home care. It’s a delicate balance between respecting their freedom and ensuring their safety and well-being. If you find yourself in this situation, you’re not alone! We understand the range of emotions that go along with accepting the need for care, and have some tips to help you and your parents get on the same page. (more…)
March 27, 2024 by
Have you ever said the wrong thing? Perhaps your intention was to compliment a friend on her new haircut, but you came across sounding like you were criticizing her previous hairstyle. Choosing our words carefully is always important, but even more so when speaking with someone with dementia. The words we say and the way we say them can significantly impact the person’s emotional well-being and quality of life. (more…)
March 20, 2024 by
As we get older, it’s natural to become more concerned about the risk of falling. However, the fear of falling can be overwhelming for many people, leading to a decrease in physical activity, social engagement, and overall quality of life. It’s essential to address this fear head-on and empower older adults to live confidently and fearlessly. Here are some valuable strategies to help those you love overcome the fear of senior falls: (more…)
March 12, 2024 by
It’s easy for family caregivers to feel alone. When you’re caring for someone else, remembering to care for yourself can be difficult. A recent listening session, however, allowed family caregivers to speak openly and honestly about what they need – and the results may surprise you. Here are some of the key findings and insights gleaned from these sessions. (more…)