How to Take Positive Steps for Family Caregivers in the New Year
“I’m going to force myself to run three miles each day.” “I’m going to eat more celery and less chocolate.” “I’m going to clean the bathrooms more often.” Do your New Year’s resolutions feel more like punishment than positivity? If so, resolve to make 2024 the year you set some goals you will look forward […]
Monitoring Wellbeing and Safety in Older Loved Ones During Holiday Visits
Ready or not, the holiday season is upon us! As you prepare for family gatherings, there’s something more to take into account besides what dishes to prepare, which gifts to buy, and how far off your diet you are willing to stray. During holiday celebrations, it is very common to notice changes in wellbeing and […]
Honoring the Dedication of Family Caregivers
If you’ve ever felt unrecognized and underappreciated in your role as family caregiver, this month is for you! November is National Family Caregivers Month, an occasion to celebrate the dedication of family caregivers and the tireless work you invest in making sure a loved one’s life is the best it can be. It’s Not Always […]
Understanding the Leading Issues Family Caregivers Encounter
Taking care of your aging parents is a tremendously rewarding act of love. As you think about the care they provided to you when you were growing up, you now have the opportunity to do the same for them. It allows you to take your relationship with your parents to a whole new level. Having […]
Caregiving Advice for Only Children and Their Aging Parents
Being an only child has some perks. Growing up, you never had to experience sibling rivalry or fights, and you also had the benefit of getting all the love and attention of your parents. As an adult without siblings, however, you may now realize that it is your turn to provide all of the care […]
Meaningful Connections: Advice for Friends and Family of People With Dementia
A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s can also mean a diagnosis for loneliness. Though remaining social continues to be vitally important for people with dementia, a variety of factors can cause an increase in isolation, such as: The need to discontinue driving Discomfort on the part of friends and family who are unsure what to say (or […]
Activities That Improve Self-Esteem in Dementia Patients
What gets you up out of bed each day? Most of us have an extensive to-do list that propels us to get the day started. However much we might like to keep hitting the snooze button, having a sense of purpose is crucial to our wellbeing. That’s true for a person with dementia too. When […]
A Family Caregiver’s Guide to Incontinence Care
It is not something most people would feel comfortable sharing with others. The awkwardness of even talking about incontinence is often enough to keep the issue hidden. Not just that, but there’s a common misunderstanding that it’s simply a normal aspect of the aging process and needs to be discreetly accepted and handled. Yet the […]
Tips for Responding to Caregiver Critiques from Family Members
“You always…” “You never…” “If I were you…” As a caregiver, you work tirelessly and selflessly to provide care for someone you love. What happens when you’re giving it your all, yet your all is not good enough? Negative feedback is never easy to hear, but it is especially tough in your role as caregiver. […]
How to Avoid Compromising Your Retirement Funds as a Family Caregiver
Caring for a senior parent is a time-intensive labor of love. It may impact financial resources, as family caregivers may choose to take unpaid leave from work, reduce their hours, or stop working altogether. It’s common for family caregivers to set aside their long-term financial plans in order to concentrate on a loved one’s needs. […]