For many of us, the summer is a time of fun, time with friends and family, heading to the pool or the beach, and making lasting memories. Unfortunately, along with the summer, come high temperatures that can pose a risk, especially to seniors. Your body works hard to keep to a normal temperature. Excessive heat [...]
These conversations can go in all sorts of directions. Sometimes it’s best to let that happen. But there are a few key issues you should cover: How Things Are Now – Is the person you care about already facing challenges that you may not be aware of? Do you have a clear and realistic view [...]
Taking care of two elderly parents with different needs was not an easy task. For me it was on the job training that I learned from interacting with the professionals I met along the way, from living day to day with the challenges that I experienced, from others who had gone through this trying time, [...]
Married almost 40 years after a poorly worded pick-up line, Ira and Sandy Asherman now live with dementia of the Alzheimer’s type. Asherman Sandy on carousel-TCV That was Sandy’s evaluation during a workshop lead by Ira in Glens Falls, New York, more than 40 years ago. She replied, “You can do better…” after he approached [...]
“It’s not funny… until enough time has passed.” For many of our life experiences, after a time, we can laugh. Of course, there are enough life tragedies that will never be funny. But good hearty laughter strengthens our immune systems, limiting the damage caused by stress. So, the next time, you find yourself overwhelmed while [...]
Your parent prizes his or her independence and insists on living at home, alone. However, you see signs of vulnerability and a precarious situation with the potential for falls and injury , poor nutrition and your parent becoming neglected or housebound . You want to help, but you live at a distance and don't know [...]
In working with seniors, one common error is the rush to assume that because someone has reached a certain age, any negative changes in thinking or behavior must be due to the onset of dementia. Promoted by age related stereotypes, many suspect dementia as the probable cause of symptoms that for non-seniors would be quickly [...]
Since the person with AD no longer possesses the mental skills to be completely independent, a special brand of leadership is called for. At least one person must assume overall authority for ensuring the well-being of the person with AD but it is best to include others too if at all possible. Much work is [...]
All bank accounts, account numbers and types of accounts and the location of banks. Insurance Company, policy number, beneficiary as stated on the policies and type of insurance (health, life, long term care, automobile, etc). Deed and titles to ALL property. Loan/lien information, who holds them and if there are any death provisions. Social Security [...]
A revolution in home mobility In-home non-medical care can immediately enhance lifestyle, improve independence and take pressure off the main caregiver. Increasingly popular with people who find themselves or family members less mobile through accident, ageing, illness or disability, are a new-age of home elevators which can offer a safe and elegant alternative to the [...]
Caregivers are often the first line of defense in protecting the elderly and infirm – especially when it comes to making sure medications are obtained and taken properly. Senior citizens are the fast-growing sector of the population, and age often leads to the need for many medications to treat many conditions and chronic diseases. Each [...]
Releasing Resentment Caregivers love to help people. It is a good feeling to comfort and give aid to someone in need. This support can also take its toll. There is a great responsibility and at times a burden that is felt in the caregiver role. It is important to find a way to express and [...]
A friend who works in a special needs classroom at our middle school was talking about a delightful new student they have in their program this year. She mentioned that in spite of his challenges, the student is a content, personable, and humorous young man who is a joy to be with. “His parents really [...]
Caring for an aging loved one can test your budget as much as your patience and endurance. Fortunately, there are federal, state and even local government programs that can help you make ends meet, find and afford care for your loved one and even obtain respite care for yourself. Here is a guide to the [...]
Do you find the need to repeat yourself more often than not to the person you are caring for? Does your talking level closely resemble your yelling level just so your loved one can hear you? Are you speaking so slowly that you end up losing your train of thought? It is possible that the [...]
Guest article by Cheryl Levin-Folio My husband, Michael, was diagnosed with younger-onset Alzheimer’s at the age of 56. It was surreal and hard to swallow, but we didn’t run away. Nor did we try to escape the stigma that accompanied the devastating news. We let it sink in and created a plan to live our [...]
Are you wondering how you are going to care for your pet as you age in place? Are you wondering if you should adopt a pet as you age in place? This guide will help you decide on the best choice for you. Studies have shown that owning a pet can be physically and mentally [...]
While exercise is often touted as a fountain of youth, it often gets harder to do as you get older. Physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) physicians, also called physiatrists, are doctors who restore and maintain function lost due to injury, illness and age-related conditions such as osteoporosis, arthritis, joint replacements or stroke. They often prescribe [...]
Strokes, or “brain attacks,” disable Americans more than any other disease. With an interruption of blood to the brain, a stroke may have similar symptoms; but as everyone’s brain is different, so are the effects of each person’s stroke. There is no rhyme or reason to the severity of strokes and or to the recovery [...]
What is it like to be a caregiver? Your clients and their loved ones probably never expected to be caring for a person who is sick or has a disability. As professional caregivers, we need to ensure a meaningful quality of life for our clients, the care recipient, and ourselves. Just as the care recipient [...]
