If you are in a successful, long-term relationship, you realize that it requires compromise, commitment, and sacrifice. The happiest relationships are those where both parties selflessly care for one another. This balance shifts, however, if the person you love experiences a serious health concern. And this shift can have an adverse effect on the dynamics […]
Being a Partner, Not a Parent, as a Caregiver for a Spouse Read More »
Who could imagine that spending so much time taking care of another person could also make you feel incredibly alone? The reality is that caregiver isolation is extremely common, for a number of reasons:
How to Overcome Caregiver Isolation Read More »
If today’s to-dos seem like much more than you are able to possibly fit into 24 short hours, you’re not alone! Family caregivers are frequently overloaded with daily care tasks: Shopping and other errands. Planning and preparing meals. Housework and laundry. Medical appointments. Planning activities that are purposeful and enjoyable for the senior. Personal care
Time Management Tips for Family Caregivers Read More »
“You can make it, but it’s easier if you don’t have to do it alone.” – Betty Ford We know that no man (or woman) is an island, something that especially rings true when caring for someone with dementia. Yet many family caregivers falter when it comes to asking for or accepting the help they
Advice For Caregivers: You Can’t Do It Alone Read More »
Most of us are writing down notes all the time: shopping lists, appointments, meetings, to-do reminders, events…the list goes on and on. If you’re a family caregiver, you have even more reasons for writing while you manage another person’s life in addition to your own.
Caregiver Journaling and its Benefits for a Loved One and Yourself Read More »
“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” – Dr. Seuss, The Lorax Advocating for a loved one is probably one of the greatest honors – and responsibilities – you will have as a family caregiver. It means fully comprehending the other person’s needs and wishes,
Advocating for a Loved One: Four Things to Remember Read More »
There has long been an assumption that once someone was given a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or another type of progressive dementia, the only option was nursing home care. After all, it is not possible for someone to experience life at home alone with dementia and be safe – or is it?
The Pros and Cons of Life at Home Alone With Dementia Read More »
If you knew that a significantly better quality of life could be achieved for a loved one, you would not think twice about exploring that option. Yet one of the most beneficial kinds of care – hospice care – is one that family members shy away from, because of a number of misconceptions. So, exactly
What Is Hospice and When Should You Engage Support? Read More »
There are certain milestones we might experience in our lives that, while not fundamentally negative, are known stressors. Losing a job. Starting a new job. Getting divorced. Getting married. And one that individuals in the home care industry are particularly mindful of: the physical and mental impact on family members who are caring for aging
Caring for Aging Parents: Family Therapy Read More »
Awkwardness. Discomfort. Disbelief. Shame. Each one of these feelings can cycle through a family caregiver’s heart when a senior with dementia displays disinhibited behaviors, such as: Tactless or rude comments Unacceptable sexual advances or remarks Removal of clothing at improper times And other socially unacceptable actions The complex changes that occur to the brain in
How to Best Manage Disinhibited Behaviors for a Senior with Dementia Read More »
