Ann Hollander4 hours ago2 minWhat is "mindfulness," anyway?Many people confuse mindfulness with meditation and Eastern religions. Mindfulness is a skill gained by training your mind to observe lif...
Ann HollanderSep 212 minNonverbal signs of painDementia itself does not cause physical pain. But people with dementia still encounter pain, just like anyone else: headaches, arthritis,...
Ann HollanderSep 142 minBPH: Weighing surgical optionsEver wondered why older men seem to need to urinate frequently? An enlarged prostate gland is likely to blame. The condition, benign pros...
Ann HollanderSep 72 minGetting the most from doctor visitsTime with a doctor is precious—and that creates pressure to make the most of each visit. Whether your loved one's next appointment is in ...
Ann HollanderAug 312 min"But I wasn't there when she died"Many of us hold unconscious covenants with our kin. Among the most poignant, perhaps, is a commitment to "be there" when death is near. A...
Ann HollanderAug 242 minCaregiving as a teamMillennials and Gen Xers are using strategies that might benefit family caregivers of all ages. Nearly half (47%) of adults in their 40s ...
Ann HollanderAug 172 minRepetitive questions"When are we going out?" A reasonable question under normal circumstances. But if the person you care for has dementia, you may get this ...
Ann HollanderAug 102 minHelp prevent chokingSwallowing involves the coordination of many muscles in the mouth and throat. The action pushes chewed food down toward the stomach. At t...
Ann HollanderAug 32 minHow to beat "decision fatigue"Caring for an ill family member often requires taking on the role of “decision maker.” Sometimes it’s multiple mundane decisions (Should ...
Ann HollanderJul 272 minOsteoporosis: What you can doIf you are concerned about a loved one's osteoporosis—brittle bones—it's a good idea to bring this up with the doctor. He or she will lik...
Ann HollanderJul 202 minWhat's in an Alzheimer's test?When symptoms of memory loss or confused thinking arise, it's natural to wonder: Is it Alzheimer's? There is no specific test for Alzheim...
Ann HollanderJul 132 minThe importance of staying connectedStaying connected is extremely important. Isolation and loneliness are not just sad situations. They have been shown to increase the like...
Ann HollanderJul 62 minTalking with children about serious illnessChildren are like sponges. They soak up whatever is around them. If Grandpa is sick, or Grandma has dementia, they’ll pick up on your emo...
Ann HollanderJun 292 minIs twice a night too much?Many older adults complain of having to get up several times in the night to pee. Some of this is a normal part of aging. Our bladder cap...
Ann HollanderJun 222 minCooling down to make a decisionOur fight-flight-or-freeze reactions are deeply embedded in our body and brain. In intense situations, they take over. As a family caregi...
Ann HollanderJun 152 minCoronavirus scamsScammers thrive in crises. The Federal Trade Commission is reporting a surge in fraud complaints. Bad actors are leveraging fear and shor...
Ann HollanderJun 82 minRemoving "junk stimulation"If you were asked to name the stresses in your life, you might think first about all the tasks and responsibilities you are juggling. Or ...
Ann HollanderJun 12 minSigns of osteoporosisDoes the person you care for seem to have shrunk a bit? Pants are too long? Can't reach items on their regular shelf? You can see the top...
Ann HollanderMay 112 minCommon misconceptions about hospiceMany families caring for a seriously ill loved one struggle alone unnecessarily. They miss out on vital support services because they don...
Ann HollanderApr 272 minReturn to a good night's sleepIf your older loved one snores loudly, he or she likely has sleep apnea: A collapsing of the airways while sleeping that results in mini-...
