We 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…
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD OR PRINT THIS ARTICLE We’ve heard a lot about eldercare plans, but what are they exactly? Various professionals use the term eldercare plan interchangeably 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 documents such…
We 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…
Awkward 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…
Even 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…
Mild Cognitive Impairment & the Brain Cortex A recent study has found that mild cognitive impairment (MCI), the earliest known stage of Alzheimer’s Disease, may be counteracted with exercise. Overall, the findings of the study offer hope to the millions of seniors who suffer from this common ailment. In the study, older adults who participated…
Medical Note Takers With families dispersed throughout the country and the world, a needs gap has developed. Having someone else accompany a senior and take notes during doctors’ visits is gaining popularity as an additional way to care for the elderly. This is especially important with children at work or living in faraway cities. These…
As seniors age, they and their families are faced with the difficult question of how to provide the best care. The necessary level of care depends on the situation, but aging in place is becoming more feasible due to a combination of factors. There are constant medical advancements, people are living healthier lifestyles, and people…
Memory Clubs for Dementia More and more, dementia patients are turning to Memory Clubs, a popular and successful form of Reminiscence Therapy. This therapy involves clubs or social groups forming around shared and intense interests in which participants may discuss their opinions, experiences and feelings. The focus of these groups could be sports like baseball…
The scent of chimney smoke on an autumn night, a pot roast on the stove, Sunday gravy, fresh-mown grass, baking bread. By reading these words and recalling these smells, we experience the powerful connection between aromas and the brain. Moreover, chances are the mere act of reading about these familiar smells evoked memories and emotions.…