Caregiver Topics
Therapeutic 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 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 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 MoreBody Heat Regulation in the Elderly
July and August bring on what is known as the “dog days of summer” – body heat, hot, muggy, sunny days that can cause lethargy and exhaustion. However, extreme temperatures that make the rest of us seek out the nearest beach or pool can have much more dire consequences for older people due to their…
Read MoreMay is ALS Awareness Month
Besides being the month we set aside to honor mothers, May is also ALS Awareness Month. Also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease (named after the high-profile baseball player who was diagnosed with the disease), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. The…
Read MoreTips for Caring for Someone with Parkinson’s Disease
April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month. While most people have a general idea about the physical symptoms of Parkinson’s, not as many understand what the day-to-day challenges of those who suffer from it can look like. It’s very helpful for those who have a loved one or are caring for someone with Parkinson’s to become knowledgeable…
Read MoreCOVID-19 Vaccines: Where, When, How & Why to Get It
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently authorized the emergency use of two vaccines to prevent COVID-19: one for people 16 and older and another for people ages 18 and older. (There is no vaccine approved yet for children under age 16.) Both vaccines require two doses per person, roughly three to four weeks apart.…
Read MoreSelf-Care & Destressing Tips for Caregivers During COVID-19
It’s no secret that for most individuals, stress levels have gone through the roof in recent months, as the risk of COVID-19 coupled with stay-in-place guidelines have cramped our style and turned life as we knew it upside down. While everyone certainly deserves a pat on the back for navigating through the chaos of COVID-19,…
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