2024 Resolutions: Positive Goals for Caregivers
“I’m going to force myself to run three miles every day.” “I’m going to clean the bathrooms more often.” “I’m going to eat more celery and less chocolate.” Do your New Year’s resolutions feel more like punishment than positivity? If that’s the case, resolve to make 2024 the year you set some goals you will […]
Holiday Season Alert: Monitoring Older Loved Ones for Safety
Ready or not, the holiday season is here! As you prepare for family gatherings, there is something more to consider besides what dishes to prepare, which gifts to buy, and how far off your diet you’re willing to stray. During holiday celebrations, it’s common to notice changes in older loved ones you have not seen […]
Celebrating Family Caregiving and Those Who Care
If you’ve ever felt unrecognized and underappreciated in your role as family caregiver, this month is for you! November is National Family Caregivers Month, an occasion to celebrate the tireless work and dedication you invest in making sure a loved one’s life is the best it can be. Family Caregiving Is Not Always Easy…But You […]
How to Overcome Common Caregiving Problems
Taking care of your aging parents is an extremely rewarding act of love. As you think about the care they provided to you when you were growing up, you now are able to do the same for them. It allows you to take your relationship with your parents to a whole new level. Having said […]
Caring for Aging Parents? Top Tips for Only-Child Caregivers
Being an only child has some perks. During childhood, you never had to experience sibling rivalry or fights, and you also had the benefit of receiving all the attention and love of your parents. As an adult with no siblings, you may now find that it’s your turn to provide all of the care and […]
Strengthening Bonds: Strategies for Visiting a Person With Dementia
A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s may also mean a diagnosis for loneliness. Though socialization continues to be very necessary for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, various factors lead to an increase in isolation, including: Discomfort on the part of friends and family who are unsure what to say (or not to say) The need to discontinue driving […]
Activities for Dementia Patients That Can Help Improve Self-Confidence
What gets you out of bed every day? Many of us have an extensive list of to-dos that pushes us to begin the day. As much as we might wish we could keep hitting the snooze button, having a sense of purpose is in fact imperative to our health. That’s true for a person with […]
Top Incontinence Care Tips for Family Caregivers
It’s not something most of us would feel comfortable discussing with others. The awkwardness of even talking about incontinence is generally enough to keep the problem hidden. Not only that, but there’s a common, incorrect assumption that it is simply a normal part of aging and needs to be quietly accepted. Yet the reality is, […]
Navigating Criticism While Caregiving for a Loved One
“You always…” “You never…” “If I were you…” As a family caregiver, you work selflessly to provide care for someone you love. What happens when you are giving it all you have, but your all is not good enough? Criticism while caregiving is never easy to hear, and it can be quite hurtful when it […]
How to Continue to Build a Nest Egg as a Family Caregiver
Providing care for an aging parent is a time-intensive labor of love. It may also influence finances, as family caregivers may choose to take unpaid leave from work, reduce their hours, or stop working altogether. It’s not unusual for family caregivers to set aside their long-term financial plans in order to prioritize a loved one’s […]