September 9, 2022 by
Remember memorizing the order of the colors of the rainbow in elementary school? Many of us were introduced to Roy G. Biv to learn this feat – among the many mnemonics we learn that, interestingly, often stay with us for life. (more…)
August 19, 2022 by
You’ve decided the family home is just way too much for your mother and father to manage. A small house became available just around the corner from you that’s ideal: a beautiful flower garden in the yard, a sunny, cheerful kitchen, and no stairs to navigate. Now it is time to start the downsizing process. The only problem? Mom has dementia. (more…)
May 10, 2022 by
“You can make it, but it’s easier if you don’t have to do it alone.” – Betty Ford
No one is an island, and that’s particularly true as an Alzheimer’s caregiver. But even so, many family caregivers falter with regards to asking for or accepting the assistance they need. Because of this, stress is exacerbated as there is little or no time for self-care – a vital feature for any person in a caregiving role. (more…)
April 20, 2022 by
Many of today’s seniors were raised during the Great Depression. They lived through a period of time when the nation was pinching pennies and cutting corners. Frugality was embedded in many of them very early on and often remains firmly in place for a lifetime. (more…)
April 14, 2022 by
Memory loss and Alzheimer’s may seem synonymous. However, it’s important to realize that long-term memory frequently remains intact long into the progression of the disease. That is why tapping into those distant memories with reminiscence therapy is an ideal strategy to help a senior with dementia stay engaged in current conversations by connecting to the past. (more…)
January 7, 2022 by
If 2021 will be remembered as the year for COVID-19 vaccines, perhaps 2022 will be marked with a different kind of life-changing shot: a vaccine for Alzheimer’s disease that might actually slow or prevent the further advancement of the disease.
December 17, 2021 by
Picture for a second how it could feel to grapple with the cognitive obstacles of dementia. The family and friends who are closest to you are now unfamiliar. The words and phrases that would roll off your tongue without a second thought are now just out of reach. In fact, the whole world as you once knew it has completely turned upside down, leaving you yearning for a familiar foothold. (more…)
December 1, 2021 by
If there is one constant in the race to unravel the mystery of Alzheimer’s, it’s change. Every time scientists start to wrap their heads around new information about Alzheimer’s, the data evolves their hypotheses into a new direction. That is certainly the case with the astounding new development in the progression of the disease. (more…)
November 11, 2021 by
Dementia aggression is one of the most difficult behaviors common in dementia, and it is also one of the most complex behaviors to manage as a caregiver. A senior who is usually level-headed can unexpectedly lash out in outbursts that are truly concerning: cursing, hitting, kicking, biting, yelling, or throwing things. How can you, as a family caregiver, safely help give them a sense of calm? (more…)
November 3, 2021 by
You may have had your suspicions, or maybe it blindsided you. Mom has just received a diagnosis for a progressive disease that is going to make independent living a challenge. While there are lots of questions, one thing is for sure: she is determined to remain at home – meaning you’ll have some decisions to make about how to provide for the care she will need. You may decide to take on a new role as the family caregiver for your mom. (more…)