Care Management Blog
Friends? Who has time?
If you are like most family caregivers, your social life has dropped in priority as you juggle your loved one’s needs. There just aren’t enough hours in the day to keep up all your friendships in addition to your family responsibilities. It may also be that friendships are now harder to keep. Many people don’t…
Read MoreA spouse’s grief in the face of dementia
Grief is the expected response to a loved one’s death. We expect to mourn, and we receive comfort from others. But in the context of a dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease, the loss is not as clear cut. Your partner is “here but not here.” And you do not receive the same support or acknowledgment…
Read MoreMaking the best use of your time off
Time off from caregiving is precious. But after a break, many family caregivers find they don’t feel as refreshed as they hoped they would. Current research provides insights about how to get the most from a respite break. Common respite mistakes Unplanned time. It may sound good to “have no plans.” But that can backfire…
Read MoreWriting the last chapter
If your loved one has health challenges, they may be feeling a loss of control. Add to that a terminal diagnosis and a sense of doom may prevail. But recognizing that life is coming to a close does not have to mean one waits glumly for the end. Following are some of the many ways…
Read MorePrivate pay services for care at home
Typically, it’s family members who fill in to perform the necessary tasks. But for many, perhaps including you, there are obstacles to helping on a regular basis. (Quitting your job to provide care is risky. Leaving work midcareer jeopardizes your retirement options and savings.) Of course, you can hire people to support a loved one…
Read MoreHearing the TV better
Is your loved one having trouble hearing the television? Closed captioning isn’t helping enough? Check out these possible solutions. Better sound from the TV. Check the TV for special audio settings that enhance dialogue and reduce background noise. Or purchase a “soundbar” to plug in to the TV. These improve audio volume and crispness. Place…
Read MoreEngaging activities for persons with dementia
It is usually obvious what a person with dementia is no longer able to do. But finding things your loved one CAN do may feel like a challenge, especially if memory loss is severe. Here are some tips: Activities are important. They answer core human needs for identity and personal expression life purpose and meaning…
Read MoreHelp at home: Community programs
For nonmedical support, check out community programs. Many are provided by nonprofit organizations. Others by faith communities. And still others by local government. Most offer discounts or a sliding-scale fee. Transportation. Check if there are volunteer driver programs sponsored by a senior center or faith community. If bus service is available, there is usually an…
Read MoreHolidays without your loved one
The holiday season is a festive time of year, but it may not feel much like a celebration for people grieving the loss of a loved one. Holidays are an especially tender time for missing those who are no longer with us. With so many COVID-related deaths in the US, loss has touched many of…
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