Posts by Erin Burke
How to Respond to Repetitive Questions in Dementia
Because Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia cause problems with short-term memory, those suffering from it tend to repeat the same thing over and over. This can, unfortunately, become a significant source of stress for caregivers, who may be tempted to snap in frustration eventually. It’s important to realize that the older adult isn’t doing…
Read MoreSolutions for Seniors
In February 2024, Cahoon Care’s Allan Parker was interviewed by WATD’s “Solutions for Seniors” host Chris Shea. He discussed the needs facing seniors and their families today and described the services Cahoon Care Associates provides to help meet these pressing needs. Click here to listen to the half-hour interview.
Read MorePushing the Envelope….
Let’s have some fun…and maybe win a prize! Picture it: Cahoon Care, 2024. The caregiver, Sally, reached the end of her shift, clocked out, and said her goodbyes to the client, Mary. Sally is blissfully 10 minutes from home when her cell phone rings, and Mary is on the other end. Mary asks Sally to…
Read MoreDo’s and Don’ts for Visiting Someone with Dementia
Just because people suffer from Alzheimer’s or dementia doesn’t necessarily mean they don’t want visitors. There will be days, of course, where they may prefer to be alone or keep to the routine, but at other times, they will feel more social. For visits from friends or family to be productive, it’s essential to set…
Read MoreVideo Tips: Using Hand-Under-Hand to Support Someone to Stand
The best way to support someone in standing up is to put your hand under his or her hand and guide him or her in doing the usual steps. This is much easier on your body than trying to pull the person up from the front. Here are the steps to follow: Step 1: Feet…
Read MoreA Step-By-Step Guide for How to Get Up from a Fall
Falls can be serious business for seniors – unfortunately, they’re more common than you might realize. The CDC says more than 1 in 4 people 65 and older fall annually. Interestingly, if you fall just once, your chances of falling again double. Also, if older adults stay on the floor for too long or get…
Read MoreSigns That Loved Ones May Need More Help
No one knows your parents or loved ones as you do – so you will likely be one of the first to notice any decline in them that may warrant bringing in a caregiver. If you don’t live nearby, you may have missed specific hints over the past year that more help was starting to…
Read MoreHow to Prepare Family Before Holiday Visits with a Senior
If you are a caregiver of a nearby family member, you’re likely used to their appearance and behavior. You can observe changes regularly as your loved one gradually declines. On the other hand, family members who live out of town may be shocked or dismayed at recent changes in the individual when they come to…
Read MoreWhen They Say No: How to Introduce the Idea of In-Home Care for Seniors
Even the best caregiver needs a break sometimes – especially when it’s a live-in family member. Providing frequent and consistent breaks causes the caregiver to return refreshed, recharged, and more attentive than ever. The problem arises when your older adult refuses the idea of an in-home caregiver replacing even a few hours of a family…
Read MoreWays to Reduce Dementia Sundowning Symptoms
It’s common for people with Dementia or Alzheimer’s disease to get increasingly confused, anxious, or agitated in the late afternoon or early evening. For others, the symptoms are more noticeable at night, when they experience restlessness or disrupted sleep schedules. Because this behavior tends to happen later in the day, it’s often called “sundowning.” It…
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