Ann Hollandera day ago2 minProblems with hygieneIt's not uncommon for a holiday visit to reveal that things with mom or dad are newly amiss, particularly in the area of personal groomin...
Ann HollanderJan 112 minRepairing identity theftIt's a fact that scam artists prey on older adults. Scammers steal identifying information and use it to obtain cash, make purchases, or ...
Ann HollanderJan 42 minMontessori for people with dementiaCaring for a loved one with moderate-to-advanced dementia often leads to bewilderment. And sadness. Perhaps your relative seems withdrawn...
Ann HollanderDec 28, 20202 minAdd a dose of laughter to your lifeDon't you just somehow feel better when you laugh? It turns out, that's not just fantasy. Laughter has physical benefits at the cellular ...
Ann HollanderDec 21, 20202 minLeaving a legacy with StoryCorpsThe desire to leave a legacy calls strongly to many older adults. Perhaps this is of interest to an elder in your family. A legacy does n...
Ann HollanderDec 14, 20202 min"Should we delay that procedure?"Should your loved one go ahead with cataract surgery? What about a hip replacement? Dental work? A cardiac stress test? In light of COVID...
Ann HollanderDec 7, 20202 minWhat is high blood pressure?High blood pressure is sometimes called "the silent killer." This is because it is dangerous but has few outward symptoms. As the heart p...
Ann HollanderNov 30, 20202 minDementia and communication: ListeningPeople with Alzheimer's or other memory loss conditions often have trouble expressing themselves, sometimes right from the start of the d...
Ann HollanderNov 23, 20202 minVideo chatting for the "tech challenged"Many older adults are embracing technology to stay connected with family and friends during the pandemic. Although some popular technolog...
Ann HollanderNov 16, 20202 min"Should we bring Dad home?"In the context of COVID, many families are wondering if an older relative would be better off moving out of their assisted living, memory...
Ann HollanderNov 9, 20202 minHealth risks of Korean War vetsClose to 2 million American soldiers fought in the Korean War from 1950 to 1953. More than half of those who served in what is often call...
Ann HollanderNov 2, 20202 minConstructive criticism: When to speak upCaring for a family member often involves collaborating with other relatives. Sometimes you will agree. Sometimes you won't. Debating eve...
Ann HollanderOct 26, 20202 minWould having a dog help? A fish?Increasingly, research shows that older adults can benefit in myriad ways from the companionship of an animal. Physical health benefits P...
Ann HollanderOct 19, 20202 minWhen you can't hold a funeralBetween travel concerns and restrictions on group gatherings, holding a traditional funeral can be challenging. Many families are turning...
Ann HollanderOct 12, 20202 minSupporting a person with arthritisArthritis is a difficult condition to understand as an onlooker. The pain is invisible and unpredictable. Some days are good. Other days ...
Ann HollanderOct 5, 20202 minWhat is palliative care?Life with a serious illness is not all dreary and glum. The condition and its symptoms can certainly take over. But daily life continues....
Ann HollanderSep 28, 20202 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 21, 20202 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 14, 20202 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 7, 20202 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 ...