Creating a Safe Environment for Aging Loved Ones
According to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, safety is the second tier of the pyramid just above the need for food and water. It is defined as “protection from elements, security, order, law, stability, freedom from fear.” When we think of creating a safe environment for our loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, the focus tends to be on elements of the physical environment that may be dangerous, but we often overlook the psychological aspects of feeling safe. Keep
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Hoarding Is Hazardous for Your Older Loved One - Part 2
In a previous post, we discussed the clinical definition and dangers of hoarding disorder (HD). If you are unsure if your loved one has HD, the International OCD Foundation says the key feature of HD is disorganization to the point where the living spaces can no longer be used for everyday activities as they were intended. Keep
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How to Not Become Your Parents’ Parent
When someone who has raised you (whether a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, etc.) begins to decline mentally and physically, it can be frightening and troubling. The person who guided you through all the unfamiliar stages in life now needs you to guide them; your hero needs a hero. This role reversal is becoming extremely common as seniors are living longer. About 30% of middle-aged adults with at least one parent age 65 or older said a parent needs help handling their affairs or caring for themselves. Many adult children will need to prepare to assume a new role in their parents’ lives. Keep
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Surprising Information About Dementia and Memory Loss
The term "memory loss" is commonly used as a shorthand for dementia, especially in regard to Alzheimer's disease where memory loss is a prominent feature. However, did you know that not all types of dementia include significant memory loss? Did you know some types of memory may remain more intact than others? Keep
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Hoarding Is Hazardous for Your Older Loved One - Part 1
While my grandma lived at her home, my mother and I would make it a point to stop by at least twice a week to help with the light cleaning, such as dusting and vacuuming. The underlying clutter we mostly left untouched until after my grandma died. What we found was amazing: a jar full of matches from various establishments, some ancient crackers and so on. I know, the situation could have been more challenging – she could have been hoarding. Keep
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Health Benefits of Gardening for Older Adults
For some, there is nothing more refreshing than sinking their fingers into warm soil or biting into a sun-ripened tomato fresh off the vine. There is a basic human feeling when planting seeds or bulbs — a sense of accomplishment and a state of deep peace. However, gardening not only feels good, but it is also good for you. In addition to growing nutritious fruits and vegetables, here are some of the other health benefits of gardening. Keep
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Worried About an Older Driver? How to Have “The Talk”
“When did a simple trip to the grocery store become so dangerous? Is that a traffic ticket on the floor? Oh no, she is using two feet to drive, and this isn’t a stick shift! Gosh, I haven’t stomped on the imaginary brake pedal this much since Jimmy was 15 years old and learning to drive. I can’t let her drive back home. Maybe she shouldn’t be driving at all.” Have you ever had this experience? Family members often worry about their aging loved one’s ability to continue driving safely and with good reason. Keep
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There's an App for That
Some apps in the online stores can waste time, money and memory space on your gadget. This series... Keep
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Respite Care – Giving Family Caregivers the Break They Deserve
It’s estimated nearly 44 million Americans are family caregivers, which means they provide unpaid care to a family member, friend or neighbor. That adds up to 37 billion hours of care each year. While caring for a loved one can be a meaningful and rewarding experience, it also can be an emotionally and physically demanding job. Keep
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Pets for Seniors: Animals Can Make Older Adults Happier and Healthier
For older adults who live alone or have lost their spouse, pets can be excellent companions. When my grandfather passed away, my grandmother adopted two blue baby parakeets named Heckle and Jeckle. Although they screeched incessantly, they gave her purpose, and she adored them. She would wake up early to feed them their seed, she would sing to them and every few weeks she would drive to the pet store to buy them more perches, bells, etc. She was overjoyed when she thought Heckle was going to lay eggs and rushed to get a nesting box (Heckle never laid the eggs because he was just a very chubby boy.) Keep
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Tax Season Is Prime Time for Scammers
Tax season is upon us and so are the con artists. In one of the more popular scams, a caller pretends to be an agent from the IRS, complete with a badge number. Even the phone number has a Washington D.C. area code. The phony IRS agent says you owe money and threatens arrest, court action, deportation or license revocation. They try to scare the person by reading off their address, Social Security number and other personal information. Keep
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The Unsung Heroes of Health Care
National Caregivers Day is February 15 — a day to honor professional caregivers, as well as the estimated 40 million Americans who are doing the selfless work of serving as a caregiver for an aging relative or loved one. Keep
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Dementia and Challenging Behavior
When people think of “dementia,” it is natural to next think “memory loss.” What we may not be prepared for is how other behaviors can change and even become difficult to manage. In fact, it is these challenging behaviors that families report as more troublesome than memory loss. Keep
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Open Your Eyes to AMD and Low Vision
February is not only the month of hearts, but the month of eyes, as well — National Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Low Vision Awareness Month. That’s quite a mouthful (or eyeful), so let’s explore these conditions. Keep
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Get Heart Smart This February
Chances are someone in your life has been, or will be, affected by heart disease. It’s the number one cause of death in the U.S., taking more than 610,000 lives every year. Since February is Heart Month, take a few moments to familiarize yourself with the disease and actions you can take to help prevent it. Keep
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Why Family Caregivers Should Be Their Own Valentine
Valentine’s Day: People send cards, flowers and candies to special people in their lives, but some people tend to overlook themselves. This is especially true for family caregivers. Keep
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Pennsylvania ComForCare Franchise Owner Appointed to PHA Public Policy Committee
Franchise owner Cassandra Poland has been appointed to the Pennsylvania Homecare Association (PHA) Public Policy Committee for 2019. PHA is a state trade association representing nearly 700 homecare and hospice providers.
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Swindling Seniors: The Most Common Scams Targeting Older Adults
The Nigerian prince hoax is one of the most well-known scams in the U.S. The con runs like this: A royal family member in a faraway country asks the mark, through a letter or email, to transfer millions of dollars out of their country by depositing it for safekeeping in the victim’s bank account. The royal may even ask for money to pay a fee or taxes for the transfer. Either way the victim has money stolen from them. Keep
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Who Are Millennial Caregivers?
Millennials seem to get a lot of negative press. Some may call them selfish, entitled, lazy and even industry killers. But, these are just poor stereotypes. Let’s put a face to the 71 million people that make up Gen Y: Mine, for instance. Keep
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Gratitude Makes Life Better: Easy Ways to Incorporate More Thankfulness in Your Day
A mindset of gratitude brings benefits throughout the year. Gratitude is the ability to notice, interpret and appreciate the positives aspects of life. Being grateful can increase contentment and also may enhance health. According to various studies, gratitude can help: Keep
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