Honoring a Loved One who has Died
Have you lost a loved one this past year? Or perhaps years have gone by, but grief is still poignant. As you reflect on a relative who has passed on, you might consider new ways to honor them. Ritual is...
Changes in Memory or Thinking?
Is your loved one forgetting appointments? Repeating stories? Struggling with tasks that once seemed easy? It’s natural that you fear dementia. But don’t assume the worst. Many factors affect brain function. Your relative’s condition may not be permanent. Some causes...
Visiting the Doctor after a Fall
A surprising number of conditions, from simple to serious, can contribute to an older adult falling. If you observed the fall or arrived soon after, find out if your loved one had a warning or felt dizzy beforehand. Any chance...
The Habit of Happiness
Happiness is in our nature. We are born with the ability to be happy. And then life happens. Our life experiences affect our attitude about happiness. They influence how much we believe we deserve happiness or convince us we don’t...
Learning More about Pacemakers
The signs of needing a pacemaker can be easy to miss at first. You might notice fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, or confusion in your loved one. Or hear them commenting, “I just don’t feel right anymore.” If a slow...
When Reasoning Becomes a Concern
When an aging loved one starts making what you consider poor decisions, it’s worrisome. Are they no longer thinking straight? Is this normal aging or something more serious? There are two terms to know when concerns arise about cognition: capacity...
Options for Taking a Break from Caregiving
If you’re providing care for your loved one, you may long for a night to call your own. Better yet, a few days and nights of R&R. Go to bed when you’re ready, sleep deeply, and do what you want...
Using Distraction in Dementia Care
If the person you care for has a problem with memory loss, you may find that they get agitated about things that don’t make sense. Your long-retired dad, for instance, may wake up in the mornings and insist, “I have...
Managing Anger as a Family Caregiver
Anger as an emotion is neither good nor bad. It is a messenger. It can provide energy and motivate you to action. Chances are you have felt angry at some point during your experience of caring for a loved one....
Getting Them Ready to Fly?
Is air travel coming up for your older relative? These tips can make it an easier, less stressful experience for both of you. Preflight planning Check with their doctor. Get an “okay” for travel by air. Ask for a note...