Imagine being a caregiver not only for your own children, but for your aging parents as well. You probably wouldn't feel like you have much time for your relationships, activities, and hobbies. In addition, self care and "me time" may seem like just an indulgence, rather than a necessity. However, many caregivers in the "sandwich generation" are living this type of lifestyle. The stress of caring for children and parents [...]
Unlike heart disease or diabetes, strokes occur without much warning. The sudden onset of strokes often leaves both patients and families in a state of shock, fear and loss. The drastic changes in the patient can be hard to cope with. Trouble walking, talking, swallowing, and memory loss are just a few among the large amount of effects strokes can have. The challenges do not end after the patient leaves [...]
We are generally advised to apply our own oxygen mask before assisting others during an emergency on a flight. This ensures our own safety and well-being. Some say this seems selfish. Yet without caring for ourselves, how can we care for others? Similarly, dementia caregivers often neglect their own needs for the sake of the person in their care. This reduces the quality of life for both the patient and [...]
When you think of dementia, what comes to mind? A lot of people tend to think of memory loss, but it is so much more than that. A common affliction affecting dementia patients is called sundown syndrome. It can also be called sundowners or sundowning. Whatever term you use, it is a serious yet common problem for dementia patients and their caregivers. As you can probably guess, this occurs in [...]
Often times, when a person has dementia we focus on the abilities that have been lost. This is so easy to do as we see our loved one decline, sometimes rapidly. It is heartbreaking and scary to watch. However, any activity that you can engage a person with dementia in will greatly improve their quality of life. While it may not slow down the progression of the disease, they will [...]
We live in a society that values independence and autonomy. The majority of seniors wish to remain in their home as they age. That being said, many older adults will decline mentally or physically as they age, putting their safety in jeopardy. Furthermore, this will ultimately affect their ability to remain in their home long-term. Lee Lindquist, MD is a gerontologist who has seen the pattern of seniors being reluctant [...]
For more than two years, Nancy Daly helped care for her mother with Alzheimer's. Daly flew regularly from her home in California to her mother in Maryland. Eventually her mother had no recognition of her daughter. A slew of thoughts and emotions ran through her during her time as a caregiver. "It was as if my entire childhood had been erased... but I had to grit my teeth and bare [...]
We all have opinions on how we should be caring for aging parents. We tend to believe we know best. After all, they are our parents. Yet when siblings are involved, there are bound to be differences of opinions. This can lead to conflict, which ultimately makes matters even more stressful than they need to be. Knowing how to manage conflict and differing opinions between siblings can make all the [...]
Is long term care insurance worth it? This is the question that many people begin to ask themselves as they age. The answer is complex. There is no clear cut yes or no answer. However, there are several things to keep in mind when considering long term care insurance. Nobody likes to spend money on something they may not ever benefit from. Yet it is important to weigh the pros [...]
Caring for someone with Alzheimer's, or any aging individual, is often overwhelming. You may not feel like you are doing it "right". Even more important, you may be forgetting to practice self care. Caregiving is a huge undertaking when most of us have busy lives of our own. Remembering to practice self care is key to successful caregiving. Self care for caregivers may seem counter intuitive. Aren't you supposed to [...]
