Though caring for a loved one near the end of life is always deeply personal, Alzheimer’s end-of-life introduces unique challenges that require a more nuanced approach. The unpredictable progression of dementia makes it essential to adapt your understanding and caregiving strategies, as the journey does not follow the typical patterns seen in other terminal illnesses.
Mental health awareness is crucial at every stage of life, but it takes on added significance as our parents grow older. For many older adults, discussing mental health can be particularly challenging due to deep-seated stigmas and the values they were raised with. It’s important to understand why older loved ones are often reluctant to talk about mental health, and recognizing the signs that they might be struggling can help…
Dad has always enjoyed a glass or two of wine with dinner, but lately, you’ve noticed he has shifted to stronger drinks, earlier and more often throughout the day. He says it helps him sleep, or deal with the aches and pains of his arthritis. Should you be concerned?
In Isaac Asimov’s opinion, “The easiest way to solve a problem is to deny it exists.” It’s a common sentiment for a number of family caregivers when their loved one is diagnosed with a chronic health condition, such as dementia. And even though this can generate some measure of comfort in thinking that life can go on as it always has if only we refuse to accept this new reality,…
Think about how it would be like to wake up each day, greeted by the relentless reminder of unyielding pain. From the moment you get out of bed to every step you take throughout the day, you experience discomfort. Even falling asleep is a challenge as the pain lingers. This is the stark reality for millions of people who are living with chronic pain. In the U.S. alone, as many…
Family caregivers know all too well how it is to feel invisible. Caring for someone you love takes center stage, and you may discover that your own needs are put on the back burner. A recent listening session, however, allowed family caregivers to speak honestly and openly about how to support family caregivers—and their feedback may surprise you. Here are some of the key findings and insights gleaned from these…
At the end of every day, how much time do you have to spare? If you are like most family caregivers, carving out sufficient time to meet each day’s basic requirements could be hard enough. Having downtime can seem impossible.
The statistics are indeed alarming: more than half of all caregivers report injuries resulting from lifting or transferring older individuals. So many family members eventually assume the role of a caregiver, so it’s important to know the best safety measures for transferring a senior to ensure both your well-being and that of the person you care for.
Taking care of an older family member often means that you’ll be helping them move around the house, getting in and out of chairs and the bed, or even going to and from the bathroom. Handling these tasks incorrectly can pose a significant risk of injury to both you and the person you love, making it vitally important to know proper techniques for lifting a senior.
“Can you repeat that for me?” “I’m sorry. One more time, dear?” “Excuse me – what did you say?” If you hear these phrases a lot while talking to an older adult with hearing problems, you’re not alone. The National Institute on Aging reports a strong link between aging and hearing loss, with as many as half of all individuals age 75 and older encountering senior hearing problems. Senior hearing…