Caregiver Corner

We rush to get to our doctor’s appointment on time, but then we end up waiting and waiting! It does seem the “wait” is becoming consistently, routinely longer. Here's why... ...

If you have a loved one with dementia or other medical challenges, you likely have already learned to adapt and do things differently, including reworking some holiday traditions or family rituals. This can be difficult, but your willingness to adapt and accept change may be the best gift for you and your loved one.  ...

Bringing a caregiver into the home of your loved one is a big decision that requires mutual trust. How can you prepare the caregiver to meet your loved one's needs, providing the best care? If you hope to create a successful caregiving situation, invest time in your caregiver to ensure they are trained and prepared for the job. Read on for practical tips. ...

People's attitudes and outlooks about “getting older” really makes a difference in life quality as they age, even when they have significant challenges. Our culture tends to dread aging and talk negatively about it. We are setting the stage for a “difficult old age” if we continue to repeat this to ourselves. We can change our attitude today simply by accepting and looking forward to living a long life the best that we possibly can! ...

Most of us have had, or need to have, conversations with an older loved one, family member or friend about difficult topics. Here are some tips on how to navigate successfully. Money, health changes (either physical or mental) and driving are a few topics nobody wants to bring up. Add hearing loss and memory challenges to the mix and those conversations can become even more difficult. ...

A recent survey by the American Health Care Association finds that 98% of nursing home operators are having trouble hiring, 59% are losing money, and 73% say staffing issues could force them to close. These significant staffing challenges have negatively affected the consistency of care being provided at many nursing homes. ...

Many families do not understand that most senior communities (including independent living, assisted Living and nursing homes), as a default procedure, will respond to most issues by sending your loved one to the Emergency Department. Communication with the facilities is vital now, more than ever, for families to take steps to avoid 911 being called over issues that could be resolved proactively. ...

Face masks are required for doctor visits, tests and visits to hospitals and other health facilities. However, they can impair communication far beyond speech transmission; they affect interpersonal connection and the willingness and ability to hold a conversation. How can older patients, many with hearing and vision loss, still experience an effective medical appointment? ...