The big day has arrived: Dad’s first day with his new caregiver! If your family is like many, you may be experiencing a range of emotions: relief, uncertainty, and anxiety, to name a few. These feelings are common and perfectly normal when welcoming a new caregiver into a loved one’s home. A little advance planning […]
Smooth Transitions: Welcoming A New Caregiver into a Loved One’s Home Read More »
Wouldn’t it be helpful if there was an Alzheimer’s care manual, with step-by-step information on what to anticipate at each stage of the disease? While there are several general commonalities in the progression of dementia, each person’s experience is different. This makes it hard to know what to expect on any given day.
Sudden Worsening of Dementia: Common Causes Read More »
When caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s, it’s important to remind yourself that you ARE capable, you ARE doing an excellent job, and you ARE making a difference! And while you’re self-affirming, there are several additional “Rs” that can help both you and the person in your care; six of them, to be exact.
Six R’s of Caring for a Loved One With Dementia Read More »
You’ve been taking care of Mom since her diagnosis of dementia. You’ve been working through many of the challenging symptoms. Yet one day, she looks at you and calls you by a different name – that of her husband or father or younger brother. Do you correct her, reminding her that you’re her son? Should
What Should You Do When a Senior With Dementia No Longer Recognizes You Read More »
Creativity, adaptability, and a healthy dose of lighthearted fun are some of the top ingredients to healthy and effective dementia care. It stands to reason then that a spontaneous activity like improvisation is a good way to connect and engage with a person struggling with cognitive challenges. Not only does it enable you to pivot
Improv Activities for Dementia Care: Connecting Through Creativity Read More »
Have you ever woken up from a dream feeling totally disoriented? The dream seemed so real, and it takes a moment to regain your bearings. For someone with dementia, this confusion is part of everyday life. Our goal in providing care for someone with Alzheimer’s is to help provide as much stability as possible, and
Using Routine With Dementia Care – Why It’s Essential Read More »
Have you heard the word “ableism” but really could use some help to have ableism explained to you more clearly? First, think about your initial thought when you see a person in a wheelchair. Do you see that person as less-than, someone in need of being fixed? Do you presume they require special treatment, as
Ableism Explained- Treating the Disabled with Respect and Dignity Read More »
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 »
You’ve determined the family home is just too much for your parents to take care of. A small home is for sale just around the corner from you that’s ideal: a lovely flower garden in the backyard, a bright, updated kitchen, and no stairs to navigate. Now it is time to start the downsizing process.
Downsizing With Dementia and Ways to Ease the Transition of Relocation 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 »
