Holiday dementia visits

Holiday dementia visits

Perhaps you are looking forward to visiting relatives this holiday season. If your loved one has dementia, however, consider their condition a “third guest” with very particular needs to be addressed. Here are tips for a smoother visit: Leverage...
Giving thanks: It’s good for your health

Giving thanks: It’s good for your health

Many of us regard the Thanksgiving holiday as an annual opportunity for counting our blessings. There’s good reason for practicing the giving of thanks throughout the year: Research suggests that cultivating an “attitude of gratitude” is associated...
Understanding frailty

Understanding frailty

“Frailty” used to be a rather vague description, like “old age.” Currently, however, it is recognized as a cluster of conditions that deserves medical attention. The following are signs of frailty: Complaints of fatigue Physical inactivity Slow...
What is “observation status”?

What is “observation status”?

Imagine that your relative goes to the hospital for an outpatient procedure. That’s no big deal. But their blood pressure skyrockets during the event. So the hospital decides to keep your family member overnight for monitoring. They have a bed and receive meals....
Simplifying the holidays

Simplifying the holidays

For family caregivers, the prospect of the holiday season is often more daunting than delightful. How do you decide what to keep and what to trim away? Prioritize activities with people you enjoy. Spend time with those who nourish your soul rather than those who...
Handy gadgets for arthritis

Handy gadgets for arthritis

Living with stiff or arthritic hands can significantly diminish joy, confidence, and freedom. Among those over age eighty-five, about half of all women and one-quarter of all men are afflicted with the pain of osteoarthritis in the hands. To support your loved...