Diagnosis of Dementia A diagnosis of dementia mostly associated with cognitive impairment and memory loss can be such a terrifying prospect that many refuse to confront that reality at all. They prefer to say that confusion is just part of getting older or that everyone forgets things. They blame their forgetfulness on stress or mild…
DetailsWe are happy to host this guest post from noted disability activist, author, consultant, and blogger Donna Thomson. A stranger asks, “What do you do?”. They really mean, ‘do you WORK?’. When you reply that you care for a loved one, they look past your shoulder, scanning the room for an escape route. At the…
DetailsCLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD OR PRINT THIS ARTICLE We’ve heard a lot about eldercare plans, but what are they exactly? The term eldercare plan is used interchangeably by various professionals based on what their view of the world is and the services they have to offer. Elder law attorneys view them in terms of legal…
DetailsWe talk a lot about the advantages of having seniors age in place, that is in the home they are comfortable and familiar with. But, sometimes there comes a point when that is not feasible and we must consider a move which can often be dramatic for them. A move can be almost as stressful…
DetailsSome Statistics “About 70 percent of people over age 65 need some type of long-term care during their lifetime. More than 40 percent need care in a nursing home for some period of time,” says the National Institute of Health (NIH). According to the NIH, what is termed long term care (LTC) can actually last…
DetailsAwkward Discussion We talk a lot about how important it is to have those serious end-of-life discussions with your elderly loved ones as they enter their golden years. It’s so important to hash out their preferences for care while they are still fully cognizant, before any decline in mental capacity. We also know that under…
DetailsIn 2006, Gene D. Cohen, MD, Ph.D. conducted a study, titled The Creativity and Aging Study, that measured “the impact of professionally conducted community-based cultural programs on the general health, mental health, and social activities of older persons, age 65 and older.” The conclusion was that community-based art programs, run by professional artists, had “powerful…
DetailsPeople often think of long-term care insurance like most other ‘optional’ insurances: “I’m perfectly healthy. I don’t need it!” or “I’ll buy it when I get older and really need it.” Of all the misconceptions about long-term care insurance, the “I’ll get it when I really need it,” mindset is probably the most damaging. Thinking…
DetailsFor many, summer means vacation and fun in the sun. Your elderly loved one need not be left home alone to wait for those “check-in” phone calls from the beach. With proper planning on your part, they can come along and spend precious bonding time with the family, making the getaway truly unforgettable. After…
DetailsEven if you only provide care for a loved one on a part-time basis, you know that the undertaking can be stressful. Strategies for coping with caregiver stress early on are essential. You need to find time to rest and nurture yourself or you may find yourself facing both emotional and physical side effects of…
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