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We’ve all been there. Where did I park? Did I unplug the iron? What time is my weekly chiropractor appointment? Who was the salesperson I talked to at the furniture store yesterday? Life is so hectic that it’s pretty common for most people to forget a thing or two every now and then. Many of these “senior moments” are harmless and short term. Once we retrace our steps or take a few minutes to think, we recall the details that temporarily escaped us. But over time, everyone is likely to experience [...]

Put your loved one in a home – their own “When I get old, you’ll just put me in a home somewhere.” When you’re young, this statement sometimes gets thrown around as the punchline of a joke. As you age, it’s not quite as funny. And, once you reach your retirement years and beyond, the laughter is replaced by fear. One of seniors’ biggest fears is dying alone in a strange place without family or friends nearby. According to an American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) study, more than 90 percent [...]

Taking on the responsibility of caregiving for an older loved one can be a tough decision – especially for someone doing it for the first time without truly knowing all the demands it can have on their time, finances and schedule. It’s not a decision that should be made without first taking many things into consideration. It’s also not a choice you should make alone. So if your loved one is advancing in age and starting to encounter some health issues that could require increased supervision or treatment, you should start [...]

At any age, visiting the doctor can be a stressful and confusing ordeal. This can especially be the case for the elderly who may be unaware of their medical needs and often have a difficult time understanding what the doctor is telling them. But in order for your loved one to live the healthiest, most comfortable lifestyle possible it is important for them to be able to get the most out of these doctor’s appointments. That might mean that you as a caregiver will need to accompany them to the appointment. [...]

The Christmas tree is down, the lights are put away, and the New Year’s Eve ball has dropped. The extra time with family and friends, great food and time off work were nice, but it’s time to get back into the regular routine.This transition back to daily living is sometimes difficult for older loved ones who live alone or spend most of their days by themselves. Post-holiday depression due to loneliness or health issues may arise.According to statistics, depression affects about 6 million Americans ages 65 and older. But only 10 percent [...]

If you’re reading this, you’ve successfully (or barely) made it through another year of joys and sorrows, victories and defeats, and blessings and challenges. Hopefully, you were able to focus on the positives and learn from the negatives as you set your sights on making 2018 the best it can be. As you’ve already learned, life as a caregiver is both rewarding and challenging. You’ll have good days and not-so-good days. One day, your loved one will show appreciation for your sacrifice with a hug or kind word. On another, they [...]

Taking over the role as primary caregiver for an older, injured or dependent loved one is an honorable thing. In some families, it’s not a responsibility everyone is especially excited to take on. Kudos to you for stepping up to care for your loved one. Often, the bulk of the caregiving falls mostly on one or two people who are already busy raising their own families, working full-time jobs and trying to find time for themselves. Many caregivers would be quick to say that the experience has its blessings and that [...]

For many people, the season that brings Thanksgiving and Christmas is the most “wonderful time of the year.” The holidays are filled with delicious food, vacation from work, and quality time with family and friends. And don’t forget about the gifts. But for some, the holidays can trigger stress, anxiety, loneliness, health problems, and even depression. The “holiday blues” can be a real issue for someone of any age, but sometimes especially for the elderly or anyone living alone. If you have loved ones who experience these feelings of sadness or [...]