Hoarding behaviors in seniors often stem from deeper issues like dementia, trauma, or anxiety, and harsh interventions can backfire.

Hoarding behaviors in seniors often stem from deeper issues like dementia, trauma, or anxiety, and harsh interventions can backfire.
When a loved one with dementia accuses you of stealing, lying, or worse, the emotional toll can be devastating, even when you know these false claims stem from the disease. These painful dementia accusations often leave caregivers feeling heartbroken, defensive, or exhausted, especially when logic and reassurance fail. In this Best of 2024 guide, we share eight expert-backed strategies to navigate these…
That moment of heart-sinking worry is all too familiar for a caregiver: Your mom can’t remember a recent conversation, or your husband gets disoriented in a familiar store. Your mind races with questions, but one looms largest – could this be dementia? Before you spiral into fear, it’s essential to know that there’s a common, simple first step doctors use to assess…
Finding the right activity for someone with dementia isn’t about filling time; it’s a powerful form of care that can reduce anxiety, spark joy, and restore a sense of purpose. But so many well-intentioned activities backfire, leading to frustration for everyone. The secret isn’t adding more stimulation; it’s shifting your entire approach from achievement-based tasks to connection-centered experiences. The following “no-fail” ideas…
Visiting a loved one with dementia can feel overwhelming when you’re unsure what to say or do, but with the right approach, your time together can be meaningful and comforting for both of you. While dementia changes many things, the need for human connection remains. In this article, we share essential rules to make your visits more positive, from conversation starters that…
Holiday gatherings can be a time of shocking updates Many families only get together a couple of times a year for big holiday celebrations. When family members see your older adult, they might be surprised or scared by their current condition. You see your older adult all the time, so the way they appear and behave is normal to you. But for…
Seniors with Alzheimer’s may ask tough questions Alzheimer’s disease or dementia can cause seniors to get confused and forget key details about their lives. This might mean that your older adult asks sensitive questions that are difficult to answer. The Center for Dementia Care at Seniors At Home, the in-home care division of Jewish Family and Children’s Services, shares tips for what…
Some studies say that sundowning affects up to 20% of people with Alzheimer’s. And, it can also affect older people who don’t have dementia.
The caregiving journey is often filled with tough challenges and intense emotions. To help manage it all, Sue Anne Kirkham shares 10 suggestions for how to thrive as a caregiver, learned from hands-on experience caring for her father and stepmother with dementia. “I feel like somebody’s demented grandmother,” Zelda declared as she wriggled her tiny frame out of the cavernous restaurant booth…
Bathing can become one of the most difficult and distressing tasks in dementia care. What was once a routine act of self-care can feel like a confusing, frightening, or invasive ordeal for your loved one, leading to resistance and conflict. If you’re dreading bath time and facing daily battles, know that you are not alone—and that the solution isn’t about force, but…