Topic: caregiving
As many family caregivers can attest, caring for a loved one who has a chronic or progressive health condition such as Alzheimer’s disease can be physically, emotionally, and mentally challenging. As well as isolating.
You give it your all day in and day out, through the laughter and tears. No matter the duties, you’re ready to tackle them one by one. Some tasks are large, others small. Some responsibilities are intimate and others mundane.
There are days when the edges of life seem to poke and chafe and there is little relief in sight. But then come the moments or even weeks where the routine is smooth and relatively straightforward. No matter the ease in which you get through a day, the caregiver’s journey is wearing. It can be difficult (or even feel impossible) to find the time and energy to take care of yourself. …
As we enter our third year of the COVID pandemic, it’s important to pause and acknowledge how it has stretched us all emotionally, physically, mentally, and financially. Daily life is challenging enough. Toss in an ever-evolving pandemic and the landscape becomes more complex.
Family caregivers, you have been hit exceptionally hard. We want to acknowledge that too. We also want to say “We see you. We celebrate you. We thank you!” …
Caregiver Burnout: Is Your Flame About to Fizzle? (Updated COVID Edition)Read More »
The Dance. That’s how a colleague once described the way families approach an older loved one’s journey with aging. This is especially true in their final years of life, in what our professional association colleague Amy Cameron O’Rourke calls The Fragile Years.1
It makes sense. Some days it’s a slow, beautiful waltz. Others can be a fast-paced polka. And then there’s the occasional freeform dance that is unchoreographed, a bit chaotic, later stumbling into a seemingly smooth twirl. Occasionally you’ll find yourself in an energetic Go-go. …
The Dance: Finding Balance with Helping an Aging ParentRead More »
Worried about your parents and fighting with your siblings over their care? When it comes to mom and dad, even families who get along well will experience disagreements from time to time.
Disagreements are to be expected; it’s an emotional time. Just as each of us has our own relationships with our parents, we each have our own experiences, insights, and perceptions within that relationship. …
Surviving and Soothing Sibling Strife When Caring for Aging ParentsRead More »
The holidays are often filled with high expectations, requiring lots of energy and engagement in non-stop activities. For individuals and families living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia, it can be challenging. A time of high anxiety.
Festivities can agitate, confuse, and overstimulate someone living with dementia. Meanwhile, caregivers can feel anxious, frustrated, and lonely. To minimize the anxiety and encourage an inclusive, more enjoyable holiday season for the entire family, a little advance planning can go a long way in ensuring everyone has a wonderful time. …
Dementia: Tips to Make the Holidays Inclusive and More EnjoyableRead More »
Caregiving is difficult and exhausting. Family caregivers frequently report experiencing high levels of stress.
It can be overwhelming to take care of an older loved one who is experiencing health or memory changes. Too much stress can be harmful to both of you. …
Top Tips You Should Know to Manage Caregiver StressRead More »
If your Thanksgiving holiday is fortunate enough to include multiple generations, here are some simple tips for keeping older loved ones engaged, comfortable, and safe during holiday celebrations: …
Last Minute Tips for a Successful Multigenerational Thanksgiving CelebrationRead More »
Self-care is essential to the well-being of family caregivers, yet it is often overlooked.
While it’s natural to focus fully on the older adult who needs support and services, we also need to remind ourselves to pay attention to their support system, be it you, family and/or friends. …
Self-Care is Not Selfish: It’s Essential for Family Caregiver Well-BeingRead More »
Aging in place, as defined by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is “the ability to live in one’s home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income or ability level.” Ninety percent of individuals 65 years of age and older report that they would prefer to continue living in their current residence as they age.
There are times, however, when the desire to age in place doesn’t match reality. If and when an individual’s home can no longer support independence, safety, and comfort, or when a health change makes it difficult to thrive within that environment, it might be time to consider options.
…
Know Your Options: The Pros and Cons of Living at Home as You AgeRead More »
Being a caregiver can be lonely. Over time, friends and family may start to fade away and your world begins to feel very small. As you encounter tricky situations, you might struggle with how to navigate them gracefully. This caregiving race is a marathon, not a sprint. Equipping yourself for the long haul is essential. Just as you would never head out to sea alone, you shouldn’t start this caregiving journey alone.
As you get into your lifeboat, you don’t have to float alone. Here are some key players you’ll want with you to ensure a smooth ride: …
Get in the Lifeboat: But Don’t Float Alone! Key Supports You’ll Want in Your BoatRead More »
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