Strong feelings may emerge during the course of serving as a caregiver to a loved one. Family members may either be new to the role or have significant experience providing care. No matter what the experience level, emotions arise, and caregivers should know they are valid and important. Starting out on the journey of caregiving can be an emotionally taxing…
Caregivers of individuals can improve the quality of the care they provide by speaking with the individual in a different way. Simple language changes can help individuals feel heard and understood. Here are a few important ways that modifying language can greatly benefit care recipients. Good communication is integral to helping individuals. People are more likely to adhere to a…
As people get older, many are choosing to age in their homes as opposed to transitioning to an assisted living or nursing home community. Most individuals feel more comfortable at home rather than being in a community where they have a schedule that must be followed. Usually, over time, individuals need more help with the activities of daily living (ADLs)…
A dementia diagnosis is distressing. The unknowns compound the fear associated with the anticipated cognitive decline. While receiving a dementia diagnosis can be upsetting, it is important to reclaim life and take steps to make the next chapter of life as healthy and positive as possible. Dementia is a general term describing the loss of memory, thinking skills, language, and…
Good caregivers demonstrate a combination of professional skills, personal character, and emotional awareness that directly impacts the safety and wellbeing of those in their care. Key qualities include patience, compassion, strong communication skills, reliability, attention to detail, and the ability to adapt to changing physical or emotional needs. An effective caregiver is also trained to recognize health changes, respect dignity…
If you are caring for a loved one, or you are an individual who is aging at home, it is important to know how to make sure your home is a safe place to live. By making your or your loved one’s living space safe, it allows individuals to move around freely without worrying about falling or injuring themselves. Proofing…
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Hospice care is a compassionate option for individuals living with severe dementia. Family caregivers should start to consider hospice care when their loved one can no longer perform essential tasks independently. Here’s a further look at what hospice means for dementia patients. What is hospice care? Terminally ill individuals who are given six months or less to live by a…
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Families may eventually agree that a loved one would benefit from extra support. The family and the individual must decide whether home care or an Assisted Living Facility (ALF) would best serve the latter’s needs. When important factors are evaluated, in-home care emerges as the top choice. Home Care Benefit 1: Aging in Place The majority of individuals prefer to…
Dementia is a progressive condition that currently has no cure. The elderly are more likely than younger people to be diagnosed with some form of dementia. As the aging population grows, dementia cases are expected to rise. In fact, the US will see cases skyrocket over the next three decades. What is dementia? Abnormal changes in the brain trigger a…
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The season’s festivities are well underway. Precious ornaments hang on the holiday tree, and strings of colorful lights brighten up winter’s dreariness. It’s also one of the most momentous times of year when family members, both near and far, gather to celebrate. With merriments in full swing, the holidays are an ideal time to become reacquainted with loved ones, including…
