Caregivers
The holidays can be a happy time for many people. Those living with dementia, however, often feel some agitation or distress during the season because of the many losses they have experienced, which they may be unable to process or adequately grieve. Likewise, caregivers may experience increased stress, which is amplified further this year by…
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As the U.S. population continues to grow older and live longer, many people find themselves providing for the caregiving needs of aging parents, children with disabilities, or even family friends. As this trend increases, so does the amount of stress that family caregivers face each day. According to a recent AARP report on the state…
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For three months before and after your 65th birthday, you have the opportunity to learn your options and sign up for Medicare as your health insurance. Medicare is a monumental perk for that milestone birthday, but plans and coverage are likely to change from year to year after you sign on. The plan that worked for…
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My grandmother came to visit us for a week. We always loved spending time with Grandma T., and I had looked forward to this visit since the last one, about a month earlier. The visit began with dinner, games and sweet conversation—not unlike the other times we had spent together—until it was time for bed,…
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The profile of caregivers is changing, and more young people are stepping up to care for aging parents and grandparents. A 2020 AARP survey found that 1 in 4 family caregivers are millennials.
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Caregiving can be a lonely experience at any time, and with increased social isolation imposed by coronavirus, caregivers may feel even more disconnected from the outside world. What are some things that caregivers, their friends and family can do to help thwart the common enemy of caregiver loneliness? Get out of the house It’s important…
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If you have a loved one with dementia, chances are good they may say things that don’t make sense, are inappropriate or even hurtful. It’s a frustrating, confusing and even embarrassing symptom of the disease, which causes deterioration of a person’s memory and cognitive function. Many caregivers have shared stories about how their once mild-mannered…
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There’s a reason flight attendants tell us to put on our oxygen masks first before helping others. The simple fact is, if we run out of oxygen, we’re not going to be able to help anyone else. It’s a great metaphor for caregivers to follow. Too often caregivers put the needs of everyone else before…
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When Leann Moss was caring for her mother with Alzheimer’s disease, her mother’s hands were often restless, picking at clothing until she rubbed holes in them. Such behavior is common in a person with dementia, and one of the many challenges caregivers face. If only she had known about Twiddle Muffs, Leann said. Twiddle Muffs…
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With Valentine’s and Presidents Days tucked away for the year, you might be inclined to think that we’re finished with February holidays, but this is not so! In fact, the best of February holidays—occurring on Friday, February 21—will be celebrated for the remainder of the month, as that date marks National Caregiver Day. Originated by Providers…
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