Caregiver Support & Tips

Senior woman in her kitchen eating a healthy snack

A Guide to Understanding Eating Disorders in Seniors

Changes in eating habits and weight are common as we grow older. Medication side effects, dental problems, less physical activity due to mobility issues, and other factors need to be explored and either addressed or ruled out. But there’s another possible culprit that may surprise you: eating disorders in seniors.

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Older man welcoming a new caregiver into his home.

Smooth Transitions: Welcoming A New Caregiver into a Loved One’s Home

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

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Adult son speaking with his older father

How to Talk to Parents About Aging Issues

Perhaps you recall having “the talk” with your parents about those cringeworthy pre-teen topics. If you thought that was uncomfortable, brace yourself for how to talk to parents about aging issues and the need for care at home! This can be extremely difficult, for many reasons:

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depressed adult woman on sofa at home

Caregiver PTSD: Risks and Warning Signs

If you think PTSD only happens to those who have experienced life-threatening danger, think again. PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) can arise after any traumatic experience or event. It might surprise you to learn that caring for a loved one is among the main causes of PTSD. However, the condition frequently goes undetected, and thus untreated.

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sad-senior-lady-holding-photo-looking-out-window-after-loss

How to Cope After the Death of a Loved One

After losing a loved one, the last thing you want to do is complete a list of to-dos. The pain and loss alone are overwhelming enough. Taking time to work through your grief is crucial. Yet there are, unfortunately, a number of tasks that need to be taken care of, at different intervals after the

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dementia-lady-not-recognizing-adult-son

What Should You Do When a Senior With Dementia No Longer Recognizes You

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

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caregiver-handing-flowers-to-senior-lady

Making Your Loved One Comfortable in a Temporary Care Home

After a hospitalization or surgical procedure, the doctor may recommend rehab in a temporary care home before the person returns home. This is typically a short-term time of intensive therapy to promote healing and recovery. However, the thought of moving into a nursing home or assisted living facility even for a matter of weeks or

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happy-senior-with-caregiver

Improv Activities for Dementia Care: Connecting Through Creativity

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

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Using Routine With Dementia Care – Why It’s Essential

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

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Ableism Explained- Treating the Disabled with Respect and Dignity

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

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