When a loved one living with Alzheimer’s or dementia suddenly lashes out physically, the experience can be heart-wrenching and frightening for any caregiver. It’s easy to feel like you’re doing something wrong or that the person you love has disappeared, but these outbursts are a symptom of the disease, not a personal attack. By reframing aggression as a form of communication for…
When a parent has Alzheimer’s, siblings often face tough decisions, emotional stress, and conflicting opinions, straining even the closest relationships. Disagreements over caregiving responsibilities, finances, and medical choices can create tension and resentment. But with open communication, clear boundaries, and teamwork, families can navigate these challenges together. In this article, we share practical strategies to help siblings work as a united front,…
Imagine you’re about to embark on a journey through unfamiliar terrain – the kind where a good map and some seasoned advice aren’t just helpful, they’re essential. This is what it’s like stepping into the role of a dementia caregiver. While the path ahead with your loved one may be filled with unexpected turns, unfamiliar behaviors, and deep emotions, you don’t have…
Even if you suspected it, actually getting an Alzheimer’s diagnosis can be devastating for you and your older adult. It will likely leave you wondering what to do next. Our friends at Kindly Care share wise advice on what to do after a diagnosis. The shock of getting an Alzheimer’s diagnosis You just got the news. The doctor said it out…
For seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia, mealtime can become frustrating and overwhelming as coordination and cognitive challenges make using regular utensils difficult. Thankfully, innovative adaptive utensils for Alzheimer’s can help restore independence and dignity at the table. These thoughtfully designed tools compensate for tremors, poor motor control, and confusion, making eating easier and safer. Discover how the proper utensils can transform mealtime…
Getting dressed can be difficult for seniors It’s surprising how difficult the everyday task of getting dressed can be for many seniors. Wearing normal clothes can become too difficult because of common medical conditions like arthritis, stroke, or dementia. Common clothing challenges include: Not being able to fasten buttons and zippers Repeatedly undressing themselves (a common Alzheimer’s and dementia behavior) Swollen feet or ankles making…
Music is great for seniors with dementia Music benefits seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia in many ways. Multiple research studies confirm this and documentaries like Alive Inside allow us to witness music’s amazing effect on older adults. Music has even been shown to be more effective than medication in boosting mood, reducing anxiety and agitation, and increasing happiness and engagement – even…
When older adults hang on to a lot more stuff than they need and insist on living in extremely cluttered spaces, they may be hoarders. If your loved one is showing this behavior, you’re probably worried – for good reason! Hoarding poses physical dangers, including increased fall risk, blocking emergency workers from reaching your loved one, and unsanitary living conditions. It could also be a…
Everyday activities are challenging for seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia Helping seniors with dementia look the way they always have helps boost their self-esteem. But the disease can make everyday activities like dressing and grooming challenging for both older adults and caregivers. 9 tips to simplify dressing someone with Alzheimer’s We found this useful infographic from the Alzheimer’s Association with 9 expert…
Reminders and reason just won’t work When caring for an older adult with Alzheimer’s or dementia, it’s instinctive to try to bring them back into reality. When they say something that doesn’t make sense, you’ll want to remind them of the facts or ask them to remember previous conversations or events. What most caregivers don’t know is that this approach often makes…
