Caregiver Corner

Caring for a loved one is an emotionally and physically taxing responsibility that inevitably wears us down and exposes our limitations. We’re only human, and the demands of caregiving set us up to feel inadequate on many levels. When we feel inadequate, guilt nearly always follows. ...

We need a life philosophy to put events into perspective; otherwise, we are at the mercy of events. It’s like going on a trip without a destination. We need to know where we are going and have a plan or a map to help us get there while preparing for detours and delays. ...

Resilience is the secret ingredient that makes all the difference in individuals’ lives, to not only live longer but to live longer better. Resilience is defined as “the process of adapting well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats or significant sources of stress.” You can learn to practice resiliency to influence health and wellness as they relate to positive aging.  ...

Today, much of the information coming at us focuses on living well and staying as young we can. As we all work hard to age well, we also need to focus on dying well. This counters our current culture. In fact, many of us have difficulty even thinking about death, let alone talking and preparing for it.   ...

Practicing breathing techniques will help your body to continue to breathe, even when life takes your breath away. ...

Many adult children of elderly parents struggle with “the promise” they have made: To never put them in a nursing home. Trying to keep a senior at home is commendable, but if things become unsafe and unsustainable for both of you, it is time to accept these changes. It is time to honor the goal of always caring for them and doing your best, making a difficult decision to ensure your loved one is properly cared for. That’s exactly what being a good caregiver is all about.  ...

If you are supporting a person with dementia or a late-stage chronic disease and are assisting them with eating, here are some simple tips that may make a big difference in this important — and sometimes challenging — task.  ...

Reading is becoming a rare art, as we increasingly watch TV/videos or listen to narrated books rather than reading them. But did you know that reading is great for your brain health? ...