Category: Patient/Caregiver

Many people hear of aspiration pneumonia when it’s already too late: their loved one has the diagnosis. This doesn’t have to be you. Aspiration pneumonia is preventable. It occurs when foreign matter, such as food or saliva, is breathed (aspirated)...

If the person you care for has Parkinson’s, you may be surprised to discover the many ways the disease hampers communication. Voice problems alone affect 60%-80% of people with this condition. Low volume and slurred speech may make it hard...

What if your mother developed dementia? Are you legally entitled to make medical decisions for her? What if your father had a major accident? Do you know his treatment preferences? An advance directive provides answers. A directive is completed in...

Financial abuse of elders is shockingly common. Research shows that annually, about one in ten older adults in the United States reports abuse, and the true number is likely much higher. Financial abuse makes up the majority. It occurs when...

Roughly 67% of adults over age 70 have hearing loss significant enough to warrant hearing aids. But many elders resist the idea. Your loved one may believe there are no good options for correcting their hearing. In fact, there are...

Initiating in-home help for a loved one sets up a big change. You know support is needed, you’ve reached out for help, and now you wonder, Are we ready? That’s a good question! It’s wise to do some up-front preparation....