Reducing the risk of falls

Reducing the risk of falls

Each year, one out of four older adults will experience a fall, making falls the leading cause of injury for elders. The most severe consequences include injuries that can be life changing: a traumatic brain injury or broken hip. These can lead to the need to move to...
Finding time to grandparent

Finding time to grandparent

When you’re caring for your aging parent or spouse, you might be at a loss for how you can fit in grandparenting too. You might feel grief, jealousy, and even guilt that you’re not getting to be the grandparent you imagined. Don’t give up. Grandchild...
Talking to your parents about money

Talking to your parents about money

In some families, money equals love. In others, it’s a measure of success. It’s often a sensitive subject, yet it should be discussed. Part of supporting your aging loved one involves understanding their thinking about money. After all, something could...
The powers and limits of HIPAA

The powers and limits of HIPAA

At the doctor or dentist, you have likely signed a HIPAA form “for your protection.” The federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act restricts access to personal health information. This includes your medical conditions, test results,...
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,...