It's common for those newly diagnosed with a vision-loss condition to feel anxious and depressed. Understandably so! They worry about losing their independence. Also, that they will need help with many activities of life. This in turn suggests a loss of privacy. Many...

With National Healthcare Decisions Day coming up on April 16, it's good to review who your loved one has chosen as their healthcare power of attorney (sometimes called a "proxy" or "agent"). This is who will make decisions for them when they are no longer able to do...

Did you know that nearly half of adults taking prescription medications for a chronic condition make errors in taking their meds? The most common problem areas: Memory. Forgetting to take a medicationOrganization. Failing to order a refill in time and...

Before your loved one pays a medical bill, wait for the insurance's Explanation of Benefits (from Medicare, this is called a "Medicare Summary Notice"). This document indicates what services were billed by which providers for what days. It is an important summary to...

When we think of "resources," as family caregivers we might think of money. Or time. But there is another resource we're using every day that is often overlooked: Emotional energy. Our emotions and mood contribute mightily to our ability to deal with challenges. When...

If the person you care for has chronic or advanced kidney disease, dialysis will come up as a treatment option. This procedure mimics the cleansing function of the kidneys. It mechanically "rinses" the blood to take out toxins. Dialysis is not a cure for kidney...

Don't confuse a lack of symptoms with a lack of risk. A person with high blood pressure usually feels "just fine." And that makes it easy to also feel unconcerned. Your loved one may not be motivated to treat high blood pressure. Or may want to stop taking medications...

Nearly every type of dementia compromises the ability to process language. It's harder for the affected person to grasp words, to comprehend their meaning, and to track what's being said. Communication with your family member may seem a frustrating struggle. Still,...

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a very common condition affecting the retina of the eye. It causes blurry vision and dark spots in the center of the visual field. This makes it challenging to read, drive, and recognize faces. Although AMD typically gets...

Are you supporting a relative who is also a caregiving spouse? Many long-lived couples see it as both a duty and a privilege to walk that last mile with their partner, fulfilling vows of "for better or for worse." That does not mean the journey is easy. Caregiving...

Only 24% of people with high blood pressure have it under control. The remaining 76% are at very high risk for death or disability through heart attack, heart failure, or stroke. In fact, in 2018 high blood pressure was listed as a primary or contributing factor in...

There is no doubt that seniors are suffering emotionally, and physically, from the social isolation of the pandemic. Those with dementia have been especially hard hit. Even elders who live on their own with no memory problems are struggling with loneliness,...