Topic: Does Your Loved One Have Dementia? Author Unknown Does your loved one have dementia, not to be confused with Alzheimer’s? Having intermittent trouble finding the right word or remembering where you put things is not unusual. However, persistent difficulty with memory, thinking, or the capacity to complete everyday responsibilities might be signs of something more significant. Dementia is a term for changes in the brain that cause a loss of functioning that interferes with daily life. Dementia is a syndrome that can be caused by many factors that, in time, destroy nerve cells and harm th ..read more

Topic: Where Do You Find Balance As A Caregiver? Photo by Aziz Acharki on Unsplash Family caregivers will always seek the best care for their loved ones. Many will fight lions, tigers, and bears to make it happen. While that thought may be a true sign of love, we probably would not win against lions, tigers, and bears! Yes, a sense of humor is necessary for all caregivers. Recognizing what’s beneficial for our loved ones is often easier than attaining it in some situations. The health and well-being of those in our care may sometimes overshadow the desires or demands of our elderly loved ..read more

Your Proactive Caregiver Advocate: Dr. Cynthia Speaks! Topic: Autism in Eldercare Author unknown April is autism care month. Many communities can have positive outcomes where knowledge and advocacy dwell. Are you caring for an elderly loved one with autism? Autism has often been misunderstood by those without knowledge of the condition. While many consider the condition attached to children, many grow old with autism. How should we think about autism? Let’s define the condition. Autism (also known as autism spectrum disorder) is a neurodevelopmental disorder. It has variations of severity ..read more

Topic: Older Loved Ones And Thyroid Disease A topic rarely discussed as it relates to eldercare is thyroid disease. Older loved ones and thyroid disease are a real thing! The thyroid gland has a vital role in the body. Let’s start with where it is, what it looks like, and what it does. The thyroid is a small butterfly-like shaped gland in the front of the neck. The thyroid makes and releases hormones that control many functions in the body. It is linked to breathing problems, heart rates and rhythms, digestion, dry, itchy skin, and body temperature. Body temperature control is an enormou ..read more

Dr .Cynthia J Hickman Title: YOUR PROACTIVE CAREGIVER ADVOCATE IS HAVING A BIRTHDAY ! Be well! Be safe ..read more

Topic: Eldercare and Hiring In-Home Caregivers Photo by Rémi Walle on Unsplash Elders living in their own homes is a high priority for most seniors. The benefit is indisputable as it relates to being in a familiar setting. The realization of living alone can become a concern as aging introduces many struggles, especially as it relates to managing household tasks and managing daily hygiene obligations. Hiring a professional caregiver is an excellent option for our loved ones to age in place safely. Professional caregivers not only manage the daily chores but can also be companions to help ..read more

Topic: Does Your Loved One Have Dementia? Does your loved one have dementia, not to be confused with Alzheimer’s? Having intermittent trouble finding the right word or remembering where you put things is not unusual. However, persistent difficulty with memory, thinking, or the capacity to complete everyday responsibilities might be signs of something more significant. Dementia is a term for changes in the brain that cause a loss of functioning that interferes with daily life. Dementia is a syndrome that can be caused by many factors that, in time, destroy nerve cells and harm the brain, leadi ..read more

Topic: Alzheimer’s Disease and Missed Opportunities I enjoy talking with older people. They have gone before us, Experienced much, tolerated much, and can teach us much. We often take these things for granted and realize we should have been present more. Paid attention, more! Been engaged more! When we recognize that cognitive decline is the result of Alzheimer’s Disease, it’s too late to have a meaningful conversation as a caregiver. We miss opportunities to learn from our elders because we don’t know the signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease until the disease has progressed. Let’s talk ..read more

Topic: Caring for a Loved One with Contractures Caring for a bedridden loved one with contractures at home demands a lot of patience, insight, and skill. The activities of daily living are a given, but ensuring their comfort and emotional well-being is imperative. Feeling comfortable again may never be their reality because of pain and bone deformities. Definition of Contractures: A contracture is a permanent shortening of muscles, tendons, skin, and soft tissues. This condition causes the joints to become stiff and limits normal movement. When someone spends their existence in bed with contr ..read more

Topic: Caring for a Loved One with Heart Problems Photo by Robina Weermeijer on Unsplash The Heart Health Month theme continues with caring for a loved one with heart conditions. It can be challenging and requires a long-term commitment of time and energy. The heart is the organ that must ‘keep on ticking’ for us to live. When the heart is diseased, it complicates the body’s ability to operate efficiently. Some heart conditions are congenial(since birth), while others develop over time. When this happens, the caregiver’s knowledge should expand to address nutrition, medications, acti ..read more