Family Caregiver

  • A Maddening Day With Charlie

    Caring for a dementia patient is like raising a child all over again. Sometimes it's a struggle to keep my composure with my husband. I'm sure these behaviors will be familiar to any dementia caregiver.

    13 Comments
  • 10 Tips to Help You “Unplug” from Caregiving

    You deserve a break, but how can you avoid spending your respite time worrying about what’s happening at home? Ample planning will ensure your loved one’s needs are met and minimize your anxiety, allowing you to fully disconnect.

    67 Comments
  • The Peanut Butter Sniff Test for Alzheimer's

    The newly-proposed 'peanut butter sniff test' for Alzheimer's disease has gotten a great deal of attention. But I wonder how accurate it really is.

    25 Comments
  • Why Renting May Be Better than Buying for Seniors

    Family Caregiver Blog: The pros and cons of renting versus buying for aging adults, and how Charlie and I became comfortable with being renters.

    5 Comments
  • Charlie's Brain and His Teeth

    Charlie's latest dementia-fueled obsession: his dental health. He's always asking me to make appointments with the dentist, even though he doesn't need to go.

    6 Comments
  • What Do Your Teeth Have to Do With Your Brain?

    Maintaining good dental health is important for you and your loved one. Some studies even say that oral hygiene is linked to brain health.

    4 Comments
  • Putting it in Writing May Relieve Your Stress

    While caring for my husband with dementia I've learned that writing has helped Charlie and I express ourselves and cope with difficult emotions in a more productive way.

    0 Comments
  • What’s a Caregiver to Do When an Elder Won't Accept Outside Care?

    I'm having trouble trying to find respite care for Charlie while I undergo knee replacement surgery. He simply doesn't want to accept outside help.

    28 Comments
  • I Need a Charlie App

    Different types of technology can be very helpful for caregivers of elders with dementia. What I really need is a "Charlie App."

    11 Comments
  • Bladder Control: More is Not Always Better

    One of the challenges in caring for my spouse became his "going" problem. He was emptying his bladder constantly – at least every hour. We evaluated his prostate, got medical attention, and most importantly adjusted his fluid intake.

    1 Comment
  • Mom or Dad: Who Would You Rather Live With?

    A recent survey sheds light on which parent adult children would choose to live with, and why. 76% preferred one parent over the other--who was it?

    0 Comments
  • Reducing Alzheimer’s Agitation During Holiday Celebrations

    Holidays can impact elders with Alzheimer's and dementia. The interruption in normal routine and the flurry of activity can be particularly stressful for people with dementia. Reducing agitation during holidays can be tough, but not impossible.

    3 Comments
  • 8 Rules for Writing a Holiday Letter While Caregiving

    Holiday cards are a way of letting family and friends know what’s going on in your life, but caregiving can complicate this simple tradition. Follow these tips to craft the perfect holiday letter this year.

    6 Comments
  • Caregiving Is a Lot Like Football

    In both caregiving and football, the pressure is intense and teamwork can make all the difference. As a primary caregiver, you are the leader of a team that is working cooperatively toward the goal of providing excellent care.

    11 Comments
  • Trial By Fire: Caregiving Forges A New Breed of Entrepreneur

    The same skills that make someone an effective caregiver are also present in many great entrepreneurs. So, it's not surprising that some caregivers find themselves drawn to the role of small business owner.

    1 Comment
  • Do Parents Really Want to Live with Their Adult Children?

    It is a common belief that seniors would prefer to move in with their children as their needs grow. However, the challenges of multigenerational living make the decision to live with an adult child's family difficult for all involved.

    42 Comments
  • Money-Saving Myths That Caregivers Should Avoid

    Family caregivers could all use a little extra cash. Many try to be thrifty to offset the costs of caring for aging loved ones, but some budgeting strategies could end up costing you more money in the long run.

    1 Comment
  • Caregivers Can Celebrate Mother's Day With Forgiveness

    Celebrate the spirit of Mother's Day by realizing that the sainted ideal of motherhood is a myth. No one is perfect, and gaining insight into your mother's childhood may inspire you to move on with your own life.

    5 Comments
  • Discussing Caregiving with Your Boss

    When you add the title "full-time employee" to caregiving duties, it can be overwhelming. How do you balance the care needs of an aging loved one and make sure there is a regular paycheck to help your own finances?

    15 Comments
  • Using Shared Decision Making to Handle Difficult Care Decisions

    Being a family caregiver often involves helping a senior navigate tough care decisions or handling these decisions on their behalf. An approach called shared decision making can help make this responsibility less burdensome.

    1 Comment
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