New exhibit opens to honor Americans that served in the Korean War
….shared with us by one of our care managers. This is what she wrote: “I got permission from my client Janes Butcher and his wife Carolyn to share this with you! He was in the Korean War at age 17 and helped get the wall of remembrance built. This aired last night on NBC news…
Read MoreWhen ice cream is better than salad
Whether it’s a bowl of soup or a bag of groceries, providing food is how we show our love. And when a relative has a serious illness, it’s natural to want them to eat a healthy diet. Many chronic conditions respond well to specialized diets. Diabetes and heart disease, for instance, can be managed very…
Read MoreSaying “no” when your kids ask for money
Once you’ve decided it’s unwise to give or lend money to children—or grandchildren—think through how you want to communicate your decision. Money is often equated with love. Even if this is a loving decision (e.g., you’ve determined that giving or lending them money is encouraging something unhealthy), how and when you decline is important for…
Read MoreWhat is “healthy selfishness”?
As a rule, family caregivers are generous. They tend to be empathetic and to want to help. But it is possible to be too generous, with a tendency to sacrifice one’s own needs for the benefit of others. Sound familiar? This is called “pathologic altruism.” People who feel compelled to give despite risks to themselves…
Read MoreDementia: Packing for a trip
A trip. Sounds like fun! And, it’s more challenging when you travel with a companion who has dementia. But with forethought and planning, you can avoid or readily address common problems. Things to do a few weeks ahead Packing Are you preparing for a trip? We can help! Give us a call at 301-593-5285. As…
Read MoreBringing the hospital home
Suppose you bring your frail loved one or a relative with dementia to the ER because of trouble breathing. The doctors determine it is pneumonia caused by bits of food being swallowed into the lungs. Rather than stay in the hospital, they suggest your relative use the Hospital at Home (HAH) program. With HAH, your…
Read MoreSenior bullying and exclusion
About 20% of seniors living in communal settings experience bullying in one form or another. Cliques and power hierarchies seem to be a human tendency. If your loved one is the focus of bullying, you might notice withdrawal from others or depressed mood. Or you might hear them say that a particular person is “mean”…
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“With a little help from our friends”:
The Village movement
Aging in place has great appeal and can be challenging and expensive. Elders who are part of a “Village” help each other with simple tasks, making it easier and more financially feasible to stay at home. Today, there are close to 250 Villages across the country. They are part of a widespread grassroots movement of…
Read MoreMeaningful end of life conversations
Hollywood would have us believe that profound deathbed conversations occur just before the last breath is drawn. Not so! The last few weeks of a person’s life are often marked by extreme fatigue, long hours of sleep, and sometimes distracting levels of pain. Conversations require too much energy. If someone you care about has been…
Read MorePreparing for a heat wave
Make sure your loved one is ready to “take the heat” this summer. Older bodies are less able to cope with excessive heat, so it’s important to ensure safeguards are in place. Check in with your relative’s doctor. Certain chronic conditions and medications increase an older adult’s risk of heat stroke. Get advice on optimal…
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