January 21, 2011 is the anniversary of Kate’s diagnosis with Alzheimer’s. That was a life-changing event. At the time we recognized that, but now we know and understand it far better. We don’t celebrate the day itself. We celebrate the fact that she is still with me and that we have lived joyfully. I say that even though her Alzheimer’s, her 8-day stay in the hospital for Covid in November 2020, and her stroke almost two years ago have had a significant impact on our daily lives. Today, our world is much smaller than it was before. Until the pandemic, we were very socially active. When C ..read more

Any time our family members or friends need medical care, we traditionally rely on professionals to answer our questions, diagnose properly, and recommend treatments. In the past, doctors were unquestioned authorities who took the lead in discussions with their patients on medical care. But things have changed; the relationship has shifted. The vast amount of information and resources online allows patients and their caregivers to educate themselves in a number of ways: search for specialists research diseases, medications, and treatments explore alternatives learn what others are doing in ..read more

Maybe you’ve always noticed some congestion or a case of the sniffles after enjoying a nice glass of wine. Maybe you assumed you had one too many drinks the night before if you woke up with a scratchy throat or a throbbing headache. Or maybe you’ve never thought twice about it and just chalked symptoms up to seasonal allergies. But did you know that alcohol can potentially worsen allergy symptoms? Alcohol’s Role in Allergy Symptoms If you’re a seasonal allergy sufferer, you know all about histamine, a chemical compound that can trigger inflammation and allergic reactions. It plays a crucial r ..read more

As a family caregiver, you may have encountered challenging behaviors in the aging adults under your care. Changes in their typical behavior and routines could signify shifts in health and mental well-being. It’s crucial to be observant and discern what these behaviors might indicate. Here are some practical steps to take: Click to enlarge Active Listening: Pause tasks like housecleaning, driving, or meal preparation. Sit down, make eye contact, and truly listen to their concerns. Ask and Collaborate: Inquire about their needs and collaborate to find solutions that align with their pref ..read more

Reading Time: < 1 minute If it is hard for you to wash your lower legs and feet because you can’t reach below your knees when bathing, use kitchen tongs to hold a sponge – this will extend your reach, allowing you to wash your feet and legs without bending over. There are also a few commercial products that can help, including foot scrubbers and long-handled sponge scrubbers.  We hope this information is helpful to you in the important work you do as a family caregiver.For more resources, subscribe to our free eNewsletter! The post How to wash lower legs and feet if you can’t bend o ..read more

Reading Time: 3 minutes After 16 weeks of my husband’s falls, surgeries, hospital and rehabilitation stays, followed by the adjustment to returning home, my energy and patience reserves were drained. The other morning, as I was doing the minimum to get dressed and prepare for the day, I remembered the story of the glass of water representing stress.  Several versions of the story can be found online, and no one knows exactly who the source is, but the story goes that a lecturer used the image of holding a glass of water and stress. The glass of water represents stress, and the weight of ..read more

Reading Time: 3 minutes A caregiver is someone who offers emotional or physical support to another person, a role that encompasses a wide range of activities, especially in eldercare. This role varies significantly, from custodial caregivers, who perform tasks like cooking, cleaning, and providing companionship, to professional or “skilled” caregivers, who are qualified to offer medical assistance. Understanding the specifics of caregiving is crucial, whether you’re considering hiring a caregiver for a loved one or embarking on a caregiving career yourself. Here’s a closer look at the types o ..read more

Reading Time: 3 minutes The transition to assisted living represents a significant change for older adults. Here’s some guidance on how to effectively support an elderly parent as they transition into life within an assisted living community. Change is an ever-present aspect of life, yet accepting and adapting to it isn’t always easy. Consequently, many of us find it challenging to embrace change, especially older adults transitioning from the familiarity of their homes to an assisted living environment. For most aging seniors, this change is met with resistance due to fears of isolation and ..read more

Reading Time: 4 minutes As a family caregiver, it’s likely at some point you’ll find yourself navigating a medical emergency. In moments of crisis, having access to vital information can make all the difference. The Vial of Life, a simple yet powerful tool, serves as a lifeline for caregivers and their care recipients alike. “The Vial of Life is designed to speak for you when you can’t speak for yourself. The vial contains important medical information that can assist emergency personnel in administering the proper medical treatment.” -Alameda County Fire Department  The Vial of Life i ..read more

Reading Time: 3 minutes As a family caregiver, it’s likely at some point you’ll find yourself navigating a medical emergency. In moments of crisis, having access to vital information can make all the difference. The Vile of Life, a simple yet powerful tool, serves as a lifeline for caregivers and their care recipients alike. “The Vial of Life is designed to speak for you when you can’t speak for yourself. The vial contains important medical information that can assist emergency personnel in administering the proper medical treatment.” -Alameda County Fire Department  The Vile of Life i ..read more