Care Management Blog
The habit of happiness
Happiness is in our nature. We are born with the ability to be happy. And then life happens. Our life experiences affect our attitude about happiness. They influence how much we believe we deserve happiness or convince us we don’t deserve it. Especially in stressful situations like caregiving, feelings of happiness can be rare! A…
Who needs a pacemaker?
The signs of needing a pacemaker can be easy to miss at first. You might notice fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, or confusion in your loved one. Or hear them commenting, “I just don’t feel right anymore.” If a slow heart rate (bradycardia) is determined to be the culprit, their doctor will look for a…
When reasoning becomes a concern
When an aging loved one starts making what you consider poor decisions, it’s worrisome. Are they no longer thinking straight? Is this normal aging or something more serious? There are two terms to know when concerns arise about cognition: capacity and competence. Capacity is a medical term. Having capacity means you can understand information, consider…
Options for taking a break from caregiving
If you’re providing care for your loved one, you may long for a night to call your own. Better yet, a few days and nights of R&R. Go to bed when you’re ready, sleep deeply, and do what you want all day! A respite break isn’t indulgent, it’s smart. You need frequent, regular opportunities to…
Using distraction in dementia care
If the person you care for has a problem with memory loss (dementia), you may find that they get agitated about things that don’t make sense. Your long-retired dad, for instance, may wake up in the mornings and insist, “I have to go to work!” It can be confusing for you. And frustrating! Disregarding these…
Managing anger as a family caregiver
Anger as an emotion is neither good nor bad. It is a messenger. It can provide energy and motivate you to action. Chances are you have felt angry at some point during your experience of caring for a loved one. It’s normal! However, anger by itself has never solved a problem. The trouble with anger…
Getting them ready to fly?
Is air travel coming up for your older relative? These tips can make it an easier, less stressful experience for both of you. Preflight planning Day-of-travel assistance Getting ready to help an aging loved one travel?Whether by plane, train, or automobile, there are special considerations for older adults who will be traveling. As the Metro…
Preventing aspiration pneumonia
Many people hear of aspiration pneumonia when it’s already too late: their loved one has the diagnosis. This doesn’t have to be you. Aspiration pneumonia is preventable. It occurs when foreign matter, such as food or saliva, is breathed (aspirated) into the lungs, introducing bacteria. People who have swallowing problems due to stroke, advanced dementia,…
“Promise you won’t …”
The request every adult child dreads: “Promise you won’t put me in a nursing home.” Your natural response is to provide a soothing answer: “Of course. Never.” That is instinctual, and comforting. But that quick response now may prove problematic later. Take time to think things through so you are prepared to give a loving,…