Now that we have been through a pandemic and months of being and feeling isolated from family and friends, we can better understand why our aging loved ones so enjoy a visit from their children, grandchildren or friends. For those of us not yet in our “Golden Years”, it’s can become busy with life andContinue reading “The Importance of Socializing for Senior Adults”
Author Archives: Merry M. - Caregiver Consultant
How to Keep the Conversation Flowing
Have you ever been with your aging loved one and found you are at a loss as to what to talk about? You’ve exhausted the usual topics of weather, your favorite sports teams and if you’re really desperate maybe even politics. Beyond those things you just don’t know how to begin a conversation that wouldContinue reading “How to Keep the Conversation Flowing”
Continue to Communicate
For caregivers of a loved one with dementia, one of the ongoing challenges is communication. As the brain changes due to dementia, so does the ability of the person with dementia to understand what’s said and to express thoughts and needs. One of the struggles for caregivers is finding new ways to talk to theirContinue reading “Continue to Communicate”
Hip Fractures – Oh My!
Few things put as much fear in the minds and hearts of the aging population as the fear of a fall that results in a broken hip. Many feel that such an injury will result in them losing all independence and spending the rest of their days in a nursing home. While that can beContinue reading “Hip Fractures – Oh My!”
Improve your Immune System Health
It may seem that this article comes as we are reaching the end of the time where we are most concerned about health issues. For most of us, that concern is especially high during the winter months. However, keeping our immune systems healthy is just a good year around practice. If we work to keepContinue reading “Improve your Immune System Health”
Why Won’t They Listen to Reason?
For anyone who is a caregiver for their parent or parents, you have no doubt come across an experience where you had a really good idea (at least in your mind) for something you parent should do to improve their living situation. Then, to your great surprise they totally reject the idea. No matter howContinue reading “Why Won’t They Listen to Reason?”
Safety First
We all know it’s important as we age to take a look around our homes and consider what elements may pose a danger for us, especially in relation to keeping us safe from falls. A fall at 30, 40 or 50 typically does not have the same serious outcome as it can for someone inContinue reading “Safety First”
Plan to Be Active
For caregivers of someone with dementia, a daily challenge can be helping your loved one to continue to do things they find enjoyable. Since each person is an individual and because dementia affects each person differently, the caregiver that spends the most time with the loved one is best suited to suggest or plan activitiesContinue reading “Plan to Be Active”
Care for the Caregiver
Many caregivers who valued the pre-pandemic days when they could leave their loved ones for just an hour or two to go to coffee or lunch with friends, or lose themselves in the stacks at the library, attend a support group, book club or any other activity they’ve enjoyed are struggling to find a newContinue reading “Care for the Caregiver”
Anesthesia Can Be Risky Business
Statistics show that the need for surgery increases as we age. As much as 53 percent of surgeries are performed on individuals over the age of 65. Many surgeries require the use of general anesthesia which carries additional risks for older adults. One area that can be affected more severely in the elderly population isContinue reading “Anesthesia Can Be Risky Business”
Interfaith Caregivers 