Caregiver Corner

There are things we can do to intentionally practice focusing and building upon the positive. When we look for something good, we can always find it. Our brains are on a feedback loop. Small adjustments can keep our thoughts from spiraling down and help us feel happier. ...

Older adults who have a sense of purpose and meaning in their lives are less likely to develop cognitive and physical impairments, suffer less from depression, and are more likely to live longer than people without this kind of underlying motivation. We can help our loved ones rediscover purpose in life from learning something new, accomplishing a new goal, working together with other people, or making new social connections. Older adults with a solid sense of purpose tend to retain strong hand grips and walking speeds — key indicators of how rapidly people are aging. ...

We know exercise is good for our bodies, but exercising can seem out of reach. Aches and pains become a regular part of our lives, so we tell ourselves we can’t exercise. However, we CAN incorporate moving more during our day. Staying socially engaged also helps us to stay well overall. ...

The holidays mean different things to each of us, depending on where we are in life this season. Children grow, loved ones face challenges. We all face uncertainties and, like everything in life, our holiday experiences change, too. ...

Steve, like many caregivers, lives and breathes Carol's pain, frustrations and disappointments. If you're a caregiver, you know what that's like. Read on for strategies to help cope with common caregiving challenges. ...

Hospital-acquired infections are among the most common hospital-related complications affecting one in 25 patients. These infections are largely preventable. If simple oral care can reduce non-ventilator hospital-acquired pneumonia, and improve comfort and quality of life, then we must advocate for ourselves and/or our loved ones to ensure that this simple task be completed daily. ...

One-fourth of Americans over 65 fall each year and over half of those falls take place in the home, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Many people believe falling and aging go hand-in-hand, but that’s not true. Falls are caused by many avoidable things. Read on for tips on staying on your feet and off the floor. ...

Challenges with hygiene often go hand-in-hand for individuals with dementia. However, research and practical experience show that a person-centered approach can turn this battleground into a peaceful experience. When using techniques that work best for the individual, they experience a significant decrease in agitation and anxiety and their caregivers also experience less agitation and distress. Bath time doesn't have to be a battle. ...