Repetitive questions

Repetitive questions

“When are we going out?” A reasonable question under normal circumstances. But if the person you care for has dementia, you may get this question multiple times in an hour. Aargh! Indeed, repetitive questions are one of the top irritants mentioned by...
Watching for financial abuse

Watching for financial abuse

Financial abuse of elders is shockingly common. Research shows that annually about one in ten older adults in the United States reports abuse, and the true number is likely much higher. Financial abuse makes up the majority. It occurs when someone takes, uses, or...
Solutions to hearing loss

Solutions to hearing loss

Roughly 67% of adults over age seventy have hearing loss significant enough to warrant the use of hearing aids. But many elders resist the idea. Your loved one may believe there are no good options for correcting their hearing. In fact, there are more options than...
Preparing for in-home care

Preparing for in-home care

Initiating in-home help for a loved one sets up a big change. You know support is needed, you’ve reached out for help, and now you wonder, Are we ready? That’s a good question! It’s wise to do some up-front preparation. When possible, involve your...
What is an occupational therapist?

What is an occupational therapist?

Eating, dressing, getting in and out of a chair. In the course of daily life, we use many skills to accomplish even “simple” tasks. Walking or using a fork is surprisingly complex. Nerve signals and muscles have to coordinate in a very specific order. A...
Mealtime and dementia

Mealtime and dementia

The effects of dementia include changes to the way foods taste and smell. A person with Alzheimer’s or other cognitive impairment may become unable to recognize foods or to know if they are hungry or full. Even the seemingly simple mechanics of fork and spoon or...