February is Senior Independence Month, a great time to celebrate the many benefits of aging in place. For many older adults, driving is an important aspect of their independence. However, with aging, the ability to drive safely can become compromised, presenting a delicate balance between independence and safety. What affects senior driving? Aging inevitably brings Read More
Dementia, a progressive cognitive decline, poses unique challenges not only for the individual affected, but also for their family caregivers. The journey of a caregiver for a loved one with dementia is often likened to an emotional roller-coaster, riddled with moments of despair, patience-testing situations, unexpected turns, and poignant memories. But just as no one Read More
“My husband woke up in the middle of the night and thought it was time to go to work. He’s been retired for 10 years.” “Since she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s last year, my mom’s personality has changed. Sometimes she’s aggressive, and sometimes she’s very withdrawn. Both behaviors are unusual for her.” If you know Read More
Let’s say you’re the primary contact or caregiver for a family member, perhaps a parent or a sibling who is living with a physical or cognitive disability. You are seeing signs that your loved one is having difficulty managing themselves or their affairs. What do you do? Many people think first of obtaining a power Read More
Most people have heard of or know someone who has Alzheimer’s disease. Many fewer people have heard of a similar, widespread form of dementia called Lewy body dementia (LBD). According to the Lewy Body Dementia Association, LBD is the “second most common type of progressive dementia after Alzheimer’s disease.” LBD affects more than 1 million Read More
An important part of our overall resilience in life—our ability to cope with and survive great challenges—is our cognitive reserve. “Cognitive reserve is the idea of building up additional abilities to compensate for the possibility of declining memory or thinking,” explains Esther Heerema, MSW, who works with people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. “Think Read More
As a caregiver for someone living with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, you can do many things to make that person’s home a safer place. You’re probably already familiar with taking steps such as improving lighting in dark hallways, hiding sharp objects, decluttering, and other safety measures. But don’t overlook the fact that Read More
The holidays can be a very busy time, with shopping, planning, visits, cooking, and parties. The bustle is part of what we do to celebrate and spend time with loved ones, but it also can bring stress. For people living with Alzheimer’s or other dementia, the holidays can be especially stressful and even disorienting. As Read More
A dementia diagnosis in itself doesn’t appear to increase the risk of COVID-19, but dementia-related behaviors can put someone at risk for contracting the coronavirus. For example, someone with memory issues often forgets to follow precautions for protecting against diseases, such as washing hands and social distancing. Many family caregivers feel a huge sense of Read More
If you have a parent diagnosed with dementia, it can be a challenge to find a clear path in supporting their physical and mental well-being. Doctors and other healthcare professionals are the foundation of the team caring for your loved one which is why communication with these providers is critical. Communication with Healthcare Providers Here Read More