Of the many responsibilities a family caregiver faces, perhaps one of the more daunting is managing health conditions. The National Council on Aging reports that nearly ¾ of all older adults are clinically determined to have a minimum of two chronic illnesses, and are seeing an average of four senior care physicians.
continue readingIt can be frustrating dealing with dementia, and communication strategies may not always be successful, particularly in the middle and later stages of the disease. Brain changes impact the ability to hear, process, and respond effectively to conversations, and it’s up to us, as caregivers to implement new approaches to communicating to more successfully connect […]
continue readingHave you ever felt yourself preparing to bubble over with uncontrollable laughter at the most inopportune moment in time – in a packed elevator, a hushed waiting room, or a religious service? Although there are, of course, instances when we must control the silliness, author Jane Heller says that, “Humor can keep us balanced, even […]
continue readingIn Isaac Asimov’s opinion, “The easiest way to solve a problem is to deny it exists.” It’s an accurate depiction of many family caregivers when their loved one is diagnosed with a chronic condition, such as dementia. And while this could generate some measure of comfort in trusting that life can go on as it […]
continue readingOn the subject of chronic illness, seniors are usually the experts, with up to 3 out of 4 older adults affected by multiple conditions that are ongoing, call for extensive treatment, and put limits on activities. With the never-ending barrage of bloodwork and other tests, physicians’ appointments and procedures, and medications, managing chronic illness often […]
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