Living Will vs. Health Care Proxy
Although most people realize they should have some advanced healthcare directive in place, there is often a lot of confusion about what type they need and why. First, it’s important to understand why advanced healthcare directives emerged. They were created in response to increasingly sophisticated medical technology. A century ago, before recent technological breakthroughs and…
Read MoreHow to Create a Dementia-Friendly Garden
Gardening is an excellent form of exercise and sensory stimulation for the elderly. This is especially true for those who suffer from dementia or Alzheimer’s, since gardening keeps the brain active, helps create a routine, stimulates the mind and senses, and provides a feeling of purpose. Studies have found that gardening can reduce the risk…
Read MoreWays to Create a Dementia-Friendly Environment at Home
Everyday life can be very challenging for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Older adults have even more trouble with mental issues such as remembering, reasoning, thinking, and processing as the disease progresses. While there’s not much caregivers can do to slow the progression of the disease, they can make simple adaptations at home that cause…
Read MoreTherapeutic Fibbing
The brain damage experienced by dementia and Alzheimer’s patients causes a progressive decline in their ability to understand and process information – creating in essence a different version of reality in which they live. Forcing them to abandon their version of reality to join the “real world” can cause them tremendous pain, confusion, fear, anxiety,…
Read MoreHow to Manage Snow Removal for Seniors
This winter we’ve seen more snowfall here in New England than we have over the last few years. For school-age children, skiers, and snow lovers, this is good news – but for the rest of us, snowstorms can tend to produce more hassles than fun. While snow shoveling isn’t enjoyable, it’s often unavoidable – and…
Read MoreHow to Talk to Your Parents about Getting In-Home Care
If you visit your aging parents over the holidays, you may notice a considerable decline in their capabilities and realize it might be time to bring in some at-home care. However, this could be a susceptible topic for them, so it is important to approach the conversation correctly and at the right time. Here are…
Read MoreHow to Talk with Aging Parents About Their Financial Affairs
‘Tis the season to see family members that you may not be around the rest of the year. If your aging parents live out of state and the holidays are the only time you see them, you may realize this year that the time has come to have some potentially difficult conversations. The most awkward…
Read MoreWhy is There a Caregiver Shortage?
While it has become noticeably more difficult to find qualified caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic, this current shortage pales in comparison to the looming caregiver crisis facing America over the next decade. Any crisis usually has multiple and complex causes and explanations, but in this case, the number one reason behind the increasing lack of…
Read MoreThe Latest News on COVID-19 Vaccines, Including Boosters and the Delta Variant
As the contagious and rapidly-spreading delta variant of COVID-19 continues to increase case numbers in the United States and across the world, the FDA is urging Americans to get vaccinated if they haven’t already. Currently, three vaccines are authorized and recommended in the United States to prevent COVID-19. While the CDC does not recommend one…
Read MoreLearn Pragmatic Strategies for Managing the Care of Adults with Dementia
The Cape Cod Alzheimer’s Family Support Center (AFSC) is offering their annual free conference for Alzheimer’s/dementia professionals and caregivers this Friday, August 20, 2021 from 8:30am to 4:30pm via live videoconference. This year’s John Levin Memorial Conference is titled, “Getting to Yes: A Pragmatic Approach to Dementia Care with Teepa Snow.” Nationally-known dementia care specialist…
Read More