What is shingles?

What is shingles?

You might think of shingles as “just a rash.” While that may be true for many younger people, the viral infection can have serious consequences for older adults. And given that the risk of developing shingles increases with age, it’s something you...
The long goodbye of anticipatory grief

The long goodbye of anticipatory grief

While caring for an older loved one, perhaps you’ve been surprised to feel waves of sadness, a tightness in your chest, or sudden tears. You are grieving. It’s your heart’s way of beginning to let go, even while your beloved is still here. And no,...
How to discourage wandering

How to discourage wandering

It’s natural to fear that a loved one with dementia may wander. In fact, 60% of people with Alzheimer’s get restless and head out the door. As a family member, you can’t be watchful every minute. But you can take steps to reduce the chance of...
Savoring good experiences

Savoring good experiences

Have you noticed that even a small negative event can grab your attention repeatedly over the day? Positive events, by contrast, rarely come back to mind. That’s human. Our brains are hard wired to pay attention to threats. But there are many benefits to...