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 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…)
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…)
November 19, 2024 by
It’s here! The holiday season is in full swing, filled with laughter, decorations, and of course, family gatherings. But let’s be real: it can also be packed with stress, tempting treats, and a hectic pace that leaves everyone a little frazzled. If you’re caring for an older loved one, you know how quickly the holidays can turn from “merry and bright” to “chaotic and overwhelming.” And if hypertension is a factor, it can be even more of a challenge. Between extra salty holiday meals, busy schedules, and unexpected stressors, holiday hypertension management can be daunting. But never fear; with some thoughtful planning and small adjustments, you can help keep their health in check while still enjoying all the festive cheer. (more…)
November 11, 2024 by
You’ve just settled Mom into bed after a long day. You’re exhausted—physically and emotionally—and there’s still a list of tasks waiting for your attention. Maybe it was the struggle with getting her to take her medication today that wore you out. Or perhaps the call from a family member who offered well-meaning but impractical advice is what caused that extra level of stress. Caring for an older loved one can be one of the hardest roles you’ll face in your lifetime. Prioritizing self-care for caregivers and building emotional resilience is crucial, and it’s the foundation that will help you keep going when the days are tough. (more…)
October 14, 2024 by
It’s a typical morning, and you’re helping Dad get ready for the day. You’ve picked out several options of outfits for him to choose from, but he balks and refuses to wear any of them. In fact, he’s been wearing the same outfit for several days now, despite your gentle requests each day to change. Sound familiar? Many family caregivers face this daily struggle, as dementia can make even simple tasks like changing clothes feel overwhelming. The good news is that with a few helpful strategies and plenty of patience, you can overcome dementia dressing challenges and make the process smoother. (more…)
October 7, 2024 by
With the holidays approaching, you might be thinking about festive meals and family gatherings centered around favorite foods and traditions. But what about the rest of the year? Is everyone in your family—particularly older loved ones—getting proper nutrition on a regular basis? While holiday feasts might be an exception, many older adults quietly struggle with senior malnutrition for a variety of reasons. The first step to helping older loved ones stay nourished and healthy year-round is learning about the challenges they may be facing. (more…)
September 23, 2024 by
Watching a loved one manage the daily challenges of COPD can be tough. You see them struggle with breathlessness and fatigue, and you want to do everything you can to help. What you might not realize is that there are other COPD-related health complications, known as comorbidities, which need to be addressed and managed in tandem with COPD. The best way to help someone with COPD is by learning about these potential comorbidities, and then supporting and advocating for the person to receive screenings and treatment as needed. (more…)