Age-friendly car features
Older drivers are generally more cautious, but also more vulnerable to injury during a crash. Good news: Keeping your relative safe on the road may be easier than you think. But it could require upgrading to a newer car. Choosing the right car features can improve safety, comfort, and ease of use—and reduce risk for […]
Touch as a lifeline for elders
We come into the world with an immediate need for touch—to feel safe and comforted. Touch is often described as our “first language,” and it remains essential throughout life. In our elder years, our other senses diminish (sight, hearing, smell, taste), giving touch extra importance. Think of your loved one: Has widowhood or isolation left […]
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 environmental support. Pack along your relative’s favorite mug, jacket, stuffed animal, or other comforting items. […]
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 with reducing depression. Gratitude helps you be thankful for what you have instead of focusing on what […]
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 gait (walking speed) Poor balance (frequent falls) Decreased strength (for instance, weak hand grip) Unintentional loss of […]
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. You might readily assume they’ve been admitted as an inpatient. In this […]
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 criticize or deplete you. Focus on what gives […]
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 one’s independence, try these expert hacks and gadgets: Equip the kitchen. Look […]
Coping with new situations
If you are caring for a relative with serious health problems, you are probably in unfamiliar territory. For most of us, the shaky feelings of uncertainty are very unpleasant. We feel vulnerable outside our comfort zone. We worry we will do something wrong. According to noted researcher Dr. Brené Brown, to protect ourselves we […]
Reducing and resolving chronic inflammation
Inflammation is the way the immune system attacks bacteria, viruses, and any perceived foreign agent in the body. It’s crucial when we need it! Think of inflammation as sending soldiers onto a battlefield. You need to fight the invaders, but also clean up afterward so life can get back to normal. As we age, our […]