July 9, 2025 by
Caring for your parents as they age doesn’t come with a guidebook. Most of us step into it gradually, helping with errands or checking in more often. Then come the big decisions: Is it safe for them to drive? Do they need help at home? Are we ready to talk about long-term care?
And more often than not, we aren’t. (more…)
June 23, 2025 by
A full plate left untouched can speak volumes. For many older adults, changes in appetite are a quiet signal that something isn’t quite right: physically, emotionally, or both. The loss of appetite in older adults is often a warning sign that deserves attention. Instead of turning mealtime into a battle, learning what might be behind the change can open the door to more effective, compassionate solutions. (more…)
June 16, 2025 by
Sometimes it’s not what’s said that causes someone with dementia to react…it’s what’s around them. A moved piece of furniture. A shadow across the floor. A face they don’t recognize in a familiar room. These subtle changes might go unnoticed by most, but for someone with cognitive decline, these environmental triggers for dementia can make familiar surroundings feel suddenly unfamiliar, even threatening. (more…)
May 13, 2025 by
When we talk about living longer, most people think of green smoothies, gym memberships, or that one neighbor who swears by cold plunges and turmeric tea. But here’s something you might not be thinking about: balance. Not the work-life kind (though that’s important, too), but, rather, physical balance. As it turns out, improving your balance might just help you live a longer, healthier life. (more…)
April 18, 2025 by
If you’re caring for a loved one with dementia, you may have noticed some puzzling behaviors. Maybe they try to eat a napkin, put small objects in their mouth, or reach for things that aren’t food at all. This alarming and confusing behavior, known as pica, is more common in people with dementia than you might think. (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…)
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 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…)