Care Management Blog

pinkkidneys adobestock 691327366 700x400

Chronic kidney disease

March 18, 2024

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects one out of seven Americans. It is among the top ten causes of death in the United States. At first, its symptoms are very subtle and it progresses slowly, getting worse over decades. People often don’t know they have CKD. By the time significant symptoms emerge, the kidneys have been…

Read More
scminsomnia adobestock 177290939 700x400

Insomnia in older adults

March 11, 2024

Older adults need about seven hours of sleep at night. But they often have difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep. They frequently wake up early and are not able to go back to sleep. This is due in part to normal changes of aging. We just don’t spend as much time in the deep phases…

Read More
alfactivityroom adobestock 578985999 700x400

What is “assisted living”?

March 4, 2024

There are many options for older adults who can no longer live at home independently.  Assisted living facilities (ALFs) are tailored to individuals with health concerns that do not require the 24-hour medical attention provided by a nursing home. ALFs enable residents to be freed from the chore of meal preparation and housework and be…

Read More
mcfmildlydisgustedadobestock 355516500 700x400 2

Dealing with disgust

February 26, 2024

The emotion of disgust is a natural response. It evolved to protect us from potentially dangerous, scary, or infecting situations. But when it arises in the course of caring for a loved one—you involuntarily gag, for instance—it may cause you both distress.  Getting to the other side of the disgust response can lead to deep…

Read More
tealquestionmarks adobestock 467890944 700x400 1

Maybe it’s not Alzheimer’s

February 19, 2024

“Dementia” is not a diagnosis in and of itself. It describes a collection of symptoms that involve memory and thinking that are enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer’s is the most common cause, but there are many other reasons a person might have dementia symptoms.   Most of the conditions that cause dementia cannot be…

Read More
scmatcomputerpuzzled adobestock 63151274 700x400 1

Tech support for your relative(s)

February 12, 2024

Technology has done wonders to help us stay connected with family members. But beginning users have to learn new terms and skills. In-person classes are often available through senior centers or the library. And AARP’s AgeTech Collaborative offers online video tutorials and classes through SeniorPlanet.org.  Even if you seek to provide less complicated devices, it’s…

Read More
szcoupleovenmits adobestock 434659816 700x400

Burn and fire safety

February 5, 2024

Persons over age 65 are 2.6 times more likely than the general population to die in a home fire. That’s alarming! Older adults most often incur burns at home, typically when cooking or bathing. The most common burn injuries are from scalding hot water or flames.  Many factors contribute to an older adult’s high susceptibility…

Read More
piggybankwithstethoscope adobestock 634575160 700x400 1

Early-onset dementia: Money issues

January 29, 2024

Finances are bound to be a concern if your spouse has received a diagnosis of dementia before age 65. As in many households, your partner’s job may cover important monthly bills. And perhaps essentials such as family health insurance or retirement funding.  In the early stages, your partner may be able to reduce hours or…

Read More
ycfregret adobestock 449673822 700x400 1

Making the most of regret

January 22, 2024

Regret tends to be one of those emotions we’d prefer not to feel. Which is unfortunate, according to researcher Brené Brown. Her point is that “regret can be a fair but tough teacher.” If we don’t let regret mire us in the past—with self-blame and guilt—then we can use it to guide our future.  Regret…

Read More