Choosing a nursing home for your loved one is a big decision. You want them to have excellent care, as well as safety and comfort. Nursing homes do offer 24/7 medical supervision and daily assistance, but they vary in quality. Here are some tips for conducting a...

Eventually the time will come to recognize a loved one's death. Do you know what kind of memorial they would like? Asking now, you might get a wave off: "I'll be gone, so do whatever you want!" Or you might get some very specific feedback. These days, there are many...

The term "prediabetes" refers to a blood sugar level that is consistently higher than normal over time. It's a common, symptomless condition that can lead to type 2 diabetes if not addressed. The good news: while almost 50% of older adults test into this category,...

A condition that causes memory loss (dementia) is one of the most common reasons an elder can no longer live at home. To meet the need for safe housing, some assisted living facilities offer "memory units" or "memory care." This a form of residential care specialized...

As a family caregiver, you may often feel frazzled as you juggle responsibilities to your loved one and everything else in your life. The good news is that you carry a tool for stress relief with you everywhere, all the time. It's your breath! Specifically, how you...

Are you noticing a persistent shake in your loved one's hands, head, or voice? They might be dealing with essential tremor (ET), a common neurological condition that affects millions and typically appears after age sixty. The good news is that ET progresses slowly and...

Did you say "yes" to being a healthcare decision maker for an aging loved one? It is an honor and a sign of trust to be chosen! And it is a powerful responsibility. As healthcare power of attorney (or proxy), your role is to make medical decisions for them if they...

As a family caregiver, you probably hold yourself to a high standard. You expect yourself to react with kindness and patience at all times, no matter how unpleasant or inconvenient the task. Compassionate caring is a high ideal for family caregivers. But some days are...

As a family caregiver, your role is essential to your loved one's well-being. But what happens if you get sick, injured, or face an emergency? Even if your relative is primarily taken care of by someone else, there's also a chance that person may be unavailable at...

Does caring for a loved one stir up some unwanted emotions for you? You're not alone. While frustration may feel shameful to admit, it's a common challenge in family caregiving. Think of frustration as the froth from deeper feelings brewing inside, such as...

Misdiagnosis happens more often than you think, and it occurs more frequently for older adults than for others. There are myriad reasons why: Symptoms of many health concerns mimic or overlap those of other conditions, and older adults typically have multiple health...

Home management of a chronic illness often requires the use of needles or lances. You may need to give your family member shots. Or draw drops of blood for testing. All these procedures involve the use of what are known as "sharps." Needles, infusion sets, and other...