Learning to drive is a rite of passage when we are teenagers and learning how not to drive is just as significant a rite of passage as we age. In this blog post, we explore clinical driving assessments and driving skills evaluations, as well as what happens when a family member or loved one fails one of these tests…
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The economic impact of unpaid caregiving is a significant issue across the United States. My personal experience in 2019 is a microcosm of the issues facing people nationwide. In January 2018, the federal government recognized enacted the Recognize, Assist, Include, Support, And Engage (RAISE) Family Caregivers Act into law. Until February 7, 2020, caregivers have the opportunity to provide input online to the RAISE Family Caregiving Advisory Council about their challenges and potential solutions.
Read MoreCaring for an elderly parent is tough enough. What happens when there’s tension or disagreement between siblings about what’s in Mom’s or Dad’s best interest? The Family Caregiver Alliance offers some tips. As an only child, this is foreign territory for me, so I’d also be interested in learning what has worked for others.
Read MoreLongevity seems like a recipe for social isolation and loneliness. The negative health effects associated with loneliness are profound. Yet, many older people cling to concepts of independence that may contribute to their isolation. What can caregivers and the community do to help?
Read MoreEmotional contagion occurs when people mimic the emotions that they see in others. Researchers have found that emotional contagion is increased in individuals with mild cognitive impairment, as well as Alzheimer's disease. In this post, we’ll explore the "caregiver's mask" — this is a useful tool to prevent agitation in family members, but it can also take a personal toll on caregivers.
Read MoreUnpaid caregivers provide 83% of total care to individuals with dementia. In 2018 alone, 18.5 billion hours of care valued at $234 billion were provided by family, friends, and other unpaid caregivers. Fortunately, healthcare systems and various not-for-profit foundations and advocacy organizations are exploring more comprehensive approaches to dementia care which provide resources for caregivers that can reduce their stress.
Read MoreWith Americans in the 65+ age group expected to grow to 88 million by 2050, we can expect that the number of individuals with Alzheimer's and dementia will increase by at least 50%. At most consumer-oriented companies, ears would perk up in response to a customer segment comprised of millions of potential buyers. Could serving individuals with dementia and Alzheimer's be a competitive differentiator for companies?
Read MoreThis blog post may tread into the territory of TMI (too much information). However, if your parent has dementia or Alzheimer’s, helping them with lab tests can quickly become a challenge. While caring for my Dad, I adopted five techniques to help both of us through the trauma of routine lab tests. It’s my hope that these may help others out there too.
Read MoreParents of children with behavioral challenges may be familiar with two experts in the field of collaborative problem solving: Dr. J. Stuart Ablon (Director of Think:Kids) and Dr. Ross Greene (Founding Director of Lives in the Balance). In this post, we’ll explore how the collaborative problem solving techniques and “Plan B” approach recommended for children could also be used productively by adult children interacting with parents suffering from dementia and Alzheimer's.
Read MoreIn 2017, more than 60% of all American health care institutions and 40% to 50% of all American hospitals utilized some form of telehealth. Telehealth isn't just for the younger, tech-savvy generations, however. New services have the potential to simplify healthcare for seniors and their caregivers
Read MoreCaring for a family member with Alzheimer’s or dementia can sometimes feel like a 24/7 job. Adult social day programs are a great resource for individuals with memory issues and caregivers alike. This post discusses some pros and cons of these programs.
Read MoreCaring for an elderly parent often feels similar to parenting. It can be a lot of routine appointments and tasks to ensure that your family member is safe, healthy, and cared for. But, what happens when you encounter critical situations where you just don't know where to turn? It might be beneficial to hire a geriatric care manager. In this post, we’ll explore when and why you might use this type of resource.
Read MoreIn the United States, cars and driving are an integral part of our culture of personal independence. So, what happens when your elderly parent shows signs that they might not be safe behind the wheel? The “car conversation” is often a difficult one which stirs up feelings of defensiveness, frustration, and anxiety for all involved. In this post, we’ll offer thoughts on when and how to broach this sensitive topic.
Read MoreOne of the challenging aspects of senior caregiving is that every situation is unique. Caregiving Case Study posts give readers insight into how different families have approached eldercare and the lessons they’ve learned. I recently interviewed Mary Anglade, CEO and Founder of sparqGEN Marketing, about her caregiving experiences with her dad.
Read MoreIn many communities around the United States, “aging in place villages” are springing up. These membership based organizations help seniors stay in their homes for as long as possible. I recently interviewed Carol Donohue, the Website and Software Chair of Bay to Sound Neighbors. She explained what aging in place villages are, how Bay to Sound Neighbors works, and how people can find villages in their area.
Read MoreNo in-home care strategy is complete without plans for handling doctor’s appointments and medication management. This post touches on issues like communicating with physicians (both in-person and online) and prescription management options ranging from family-filled pill cassettes to multi-dose packaging services.
Read MoreFood and nutrition are important considerations when your elderly parent is living at home. This can be a challenge, however — especially if your parents don’t drive. This post explores meal options for your in-home care strategy.
Read MoreCreating an in-home care strategy for your parent depends on two dimensions: how many “activities of daily living” (ADLs) your family member needs help with and your bandwidth for in-home coordination of services. This post focuses on home health aides and often overlooked ADLs.
Read MoreMaking accessibility improvements to your parent’s house can mean the difference between staying at home and moving to a facility with more care. Stairlifts and grab bars aren’t a solution for everyone, but here are some things to consider related to home modifications.
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