Care Management Blog

Waves crash onto a beach under a clear blue sky. The water appears vibrant, with layers of foamy waves moving towards the shore. The scene captures the dynamic motion and energy of the ocean, providing a sense of freshness and tranquility.

When caregiving ends: Emotions

August 26, 2019

Waves of emotionsWhen a person you’ve been caring for dies, you are likely to have many feelings. Sometimes conflicting feelings. You may find that emotions wash over you unexpectedly, arising suddenly like a wave, and then subside. This is a normal part of life after loss. Grief can be described as a combination of sadness…

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A senior woman with short gray hair, wearing a coral blouse, rests her chin on her hand and looks thoughtfully at the camera. In the blurred background, an older man sits on a couch, holding a cup. The scene appears to be in a bright living room.

How Parkinson’s affects communication

August 19, 2019

If the person you care for has Parkinson’s, you may be surprised to discover the many ways the disease hampers communication. Voice problems alone affect 60%-80% of people with this condition. Low volume and slurred speech may make it hard at times for you to grasp what your loved one is saying. He or she…

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Illustration of a DNA double helix structure set against a blue, futuristic background with dotted patterns and light effects. The DNA strands are depicted in green with connecting spheres, representing the molecular bonds.

Genetic testing for Alzheimer’s

August 12, 2019

These days, most everyone is wondering if they are likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease. If someone in your immediate family has been diagnosed with the disease, you might feel at especially high risk. There is a test for an Alzheimer’s gene (APOE4). But it’s not 100% certain: Not everyone who has the APOE4 gene will…

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Group of six senior adults walking outdoors in a park on a sunny day, smiling and conversing. The greenery and trees form a lush background. The individuals appear to be enjoying each other's company and the pleasant weather.

Start a safe walking routine

August 5, 2019

Walking for exercise is recommended for every phase of life! Walking is the easiest physical activity to engage in, and it brings multiple benefits. The ability to get around readily is often the deciding factor in whether an older adult can stay living at home. Many older adults are hesitant to walk much. If you…

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An elderly woman is sitting while holding a tissue to her nose, appearing to be emotional or unwell. An elderly man, seated next to her, is comforting her with a supportive hand on her shoulder. The setting appears to be a well-lit indoor space.

Bad news

July 29, 2019

If a person you care for receives a serious diagnosis, it can feel like a gut punch—for everyone in the family. There is no way to sugarcoat such a reality. There are ways, however, to make the emotional journey less traumatic. Grief AND joyEven if your loved one has only months or weeks to live,…

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A grey rectangular electronic device with a blue circular button in its center, attached to a beige fabric strap with Velcro fasteners on each end, commonly used for medical or health monitoring purposes.

Personal emergency response systems

July 22, 2019

A personal emergency response system (PERS) can provide peace of mind if the person you care for lives alone. There are many factors to consider when shopping for a device. The need for a personal call button. Is your loved one at risk of a fall or heart attack? If so, you’ll want 24/7 emergency…

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A person wearing a light blue dress shirt is shown from the back with their right hand placed behind them. Their fingers are crossed, indicating a common gesture often associated with hoping for good luck or not telling the truth.

“Lie to my mom?”

July 15, 2019

Mom taught you to always tell the truth. But in the context of caring for someone with memory loss (dementia), honesty may not always be the best policy. There may be times when the kindest strategy—the one that reduces your loved one’s anxiety or fear—is to omit the truth or bend it a little. This…

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A person with a ponytail, wearing a blue shirt and a polka-dotted apron, stands in front of an open kitchen cabinet. The cabinet shelves are stocked with various food items, jars, cans, and boxes.

What to do with their stuff?

July 8, 2019

Perhaps your loved one is downsizing. Or maybe planning a move to assisted living or a nursing home. He or she may even have passed away… If you find yourself needing to pack up a relative’s belongings, start by sorting them into five categories: items to keep items to sell items to donate to charity…

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An elderly couple sits together on a couch, smiling and looking at a tablet screen. The man has his arm around the woman. Both are wearing glasses and cozy clothing. They appear to be enjoying their time and the device they are using.

Communicating with aphasia

July 1, 2019

If your loved one suddenly developed difficulty with speaking, he or she probably has aphasia, typically from a stroke or traumatic brain injury. Slow or garbled speech can be frustrating for everyone. Recovery is enhanced by following the advice of speech and occupational therapists. Your support is invaluable in terms of bolstering self-worth and confidence.…

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