Care Management Blog

A white piggy bank stands next to stacks of coins and a stethoscope on a blue background. The image symbolizes financial planning and savings for healthcare.

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…

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A woman with curly brown hair, dressed in a dark green sweater, sits with her knees drawn up and her head resting on her hand, gazing contemplatively out of a window on a rainy day. The background is blurred, showing a hint of greenery outside.

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…

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An illustration of an elderly couple walking in a park. The man is holding the arm of a woman using a white cane, suggesting she is visually impaired. Trees and a path are visible in the background.

Acting as a “human guide”

January 15, 2024

If the person you care for has a low-vision diagnosis, you are likely concerned about their ability to orient themselves and learn to move safely without falling or becoming injured. Many people with low vision rely on the assistance of a “human guide.” You may already serve in that function for your loved one. Perhaps…

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A close-up of an elderly hand being gently held by a younger hand, symbolizing care and support. The elderly hand has visible wrinkles, while the younger hand appears smooth and comforting. The background is softly blurred, highlighting the hands.

Skin care and aging

January 8, 2024

The skin is the body’s largest organ and its essential “armor.” To maintain good health, skin needs extra attention as we age.   The skin has three layers. Working together, they act as the body’s  In the normal aging process, skin Daily routines are important in the care of aging skin. Help your loved one   Check…

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A young caregiver in blue scrubs smiles and holds the hand of an elderly person sitting in a wheelchair. They are in a bright, cozy room with a bookshelf and plants in the background, sharing a moment of warmth and connection.

Positive connections with staff

January 1, 2024

Your loved one’s daily experience in a hospital, rehab, or assisted living community—even at home with paid home help—greatly depends on the aides who care for them. You can help ensure a good experience by building a positive relationship with those staff so they are inclined to go the extra mile, even on a bad…

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Illustration of a person with gray hair styled in a bun, wearing a pink top and a headband, holding a tablet. The tablet screen displays another person with short black hair, suggesting a video call between the two individuals.

Choosing a “senior tablet”

December 25, 2023

Much of life’s interactions occurs online these days. If your loved one is not tech savvy, has mild dementia, or has little access to support in a facility, you might consider a “senior tablet.” They have limitations compared to the typical consumer tablet, but could well be worth it. They are streamlined and simplified so…

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An elderly man and woman sit next to each other on an airplane. The man wears headphones, glasses, a beanie, and a red scarf, while the woman smiles serenely, gazing out the window. The sun is setting, casting a warm glow through the window.

Dementia: Navigating the airport

December 18, 2023

As exciting as a trip can be, for a person with dementia, the loss of routine is confusing. And the loud, large, busy terminal spaces are often distressing. Too much stimuli! Your job is to keep the process as calm and unhurried as possible. If you are rushing, flustered, and anxious, your loved one with…

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An elderly woman with short gray hair and glasses is wearing a yellow sweater and looking intently at a blister pack of capsules, some yellow and some black, in her hand. She appears to be carefully examining the medication.

Why Mom doesn’t take her pills

December 11, 2023

Did your mom teach you to “do what the doctor says”? If she’s not following doctor’s orders for medications now, you’re probably feeling confused. And concerned.  It’s common for patients not to take pills as directed. Some typical reasons:  Are you worried about medication management? You are not alone! As the Metro DC experts in…

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A vivid image of water bubbles is overlaid with a red prohibition symbol, indicating that the bubbles or the action depicted is not allowed or recommended. The bubbles are shown in various sizes against a black background, creating a striking visual contrast.

How nutrition affects breathing

December 4, 2023

Food and oxygen are the basic fuels that we need for the cells of our body to do their jobs. People with COPD have to expend more energy breathing. Because their exhales are not always efficient, they tend to develop high levels of carbon dioxide. Not good.  Fortunately, there are food choices that can reduce…

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