How to discourage wandering
It is natural to fear that a loved one with dementia may wander. Indeed, 60% of people with Alzheimer’s do get restless and head out the door. As a family member, you can’t be watchful every minute. But you can take steps to reduce the chance of wandering. The many triggers for wandering include anxiety,…
Read More2019 Medicare improvements
Here’s some good news to start the year! In 2019, we’ll see improvements in coverage across the major Medicare plans. About two-thirds of people on Medicare use “original Medicare.” Patients with original Medicare can go to any health care provider that accepts Medicare. Original Medicare pays for 80% of costs after a yearly deductible. The…
Read MoreThe power of sleep
When your schedule gets tight, is sleep one of the first things to go? According to the experts, that’s all too common. And it makes about as much sense as deciding to do without food, air, or water. Sleep is that essential. Most adults need 6 to 8 hours of sleep per night. Sleep promotes…
Read MoreA new year reflection
After the hubbub of the holidays and in the darkest nights at year’s end, nature seems to beckon us to reflect. Rather than make a resolution about exercise or diet, consider looking at your approach to family caregiving and personal qualities you might nurture to become more resilient in this role. Psychologist Rick Hanson, PhD,…
Read MorePreventing Burnout
Burnout is more than stress. And it isn’t just undesirable. It’s a risky condition. The consequences of burnout include emotional depletion, often leading to depression; reduced resistance to common illnesses, such as colds and flu; increased likelihood of a chronic disease, such as heart disease or diabetes; lack of energy to do what is necessary for…
Read MoreThanks to Liz Zarate for 5 Remarkable Years!
Liz started her journey with DLEA in November 2013. This is her DLEA story… A friend of my mom’s is a geriatrician who works with a care manager in Bowie, where I live. I was introduced to her and she showed me her office, and took me out to lunch and told me all about…
Read MoreStress or Burnout?
Most of us know it when we’re stressed. We talk about it, and we talk about needing to do something about it…when we have the time. But we might not be aware when we reach the point of burnout. That’s because going numb is the nature of burnout. To be so worn out that you…
Read MoreGifts for Older Adults
What to get for the “chronologically gifted?” The age-friendly ideas below address the special interests or concerns of persons in their later years. Providing an experience. Don’t add to household clutter—give an activity! This way, you give the fun of anticipation as well as countless hours of enjoyment afterwards, remembering. Ideally, arrange the gift as…
Read MoreExercise and COPD: an oxymoron?
Does Mom say she feels too weak to exercise? Does Dad run out of breath just walking down the street? People dealing with COPD often believe that exercise will make things worse. Actually, in moderation, quite the opposite is true. Very real benefits. Even people with severe COPD can become more physical. Something as simple…
Read MoreSavoring good experiences
Sharing happy experiences, like sharing a good meal, warms and strengthens friendships and family bonds. There are other benefits to savoring positive experiences. Even in the privacy of your own thoughts, reflecting on pleasant memories is an easy and effective way to increase your overall happiness. Hard wired to focus on the negative Have you…
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