Caregiver Corner

Much of the research today is diving deeper into our diet and the role it plays on the growing numbers of chronic illnesses/conditions. What if eating different foods could reduce swelling, pain, improve bowel issues, slow cancer, or cognitive changes? ...

Is your older loved one starting to make unfounded accusations? As the brain starts to change, a false-memory phenomenon can occur. This causes the individual to perceive reality differently than those around them and can lead to accusations, perceptions of things missing, and increased suspicions.   ...

Often, when we or those we are caring for are in a moment of anxiety or even panic, we can benefit from techniques that are a little more physical or sensory-oriented. Here are four small and simple physical ways that may calm one’s anxiety and get the mind and its racing thoughts back into one’s body and reality. ...

This holiday season, as we spend time with our family and friends, it may be the perfect opportunity to observe changes in your aging loved one. Changes may vary widely—from outwardly visible to subtle shifts in habits. There are four main areas to observe and monitor if you are starting to be concerned about an aging loved one. ...

Hand sanitizers are good in a pinch but soap and water make more than just suds. Together, they work wonders to remove all types of germs from our hands. As it turns out, the 20-second time investment is worth it, since handwashing can remove not just all germs, but also other harmful agents, like heavy metals and pesticides. ...

Changes in sleeping patterns are not uncommon as we age, complicated by diseases and conditions such as dementia.  Children and adolescents need more sleep than adults; older adults need about the same amount of sleep as younger adults, seven or more hours a night. ...

Some people with dementia have difficulties controlling their emotions, and their personalities may change. As dementias progress, individuals are often challenged with communication skills and can have difficulty or lose the ability to express themselves. Too often, pain and discomfort are overlooked and quickly labeled as “behaviors” due to dementia. Take time to decode these behaviors to understand and resolve unmet needs.  ...

Just because they're comfy and convenient, lots of footwear is bad for our feet and can even cause us injury. We're talking slide slippers, slip-on shoes with no backs, flip flops, smooth leather bottoms, high heels and wedges, to name a few. Fashion aside, these shoes aren't the best choice for aging feet. ...