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Engaging activities for persons with dementia
It is usually obvious what a person with dementia is no longer able to do. But finding things your loved one CAN do may feel like a...
Ann Hollander
Dec 6, 20212 min read
Help at home: Community programs
For nonmedical support, check out community programs. Many are provided by nonprofit organizations. Others by faith communities. And...
Ann Hollander
Nov 29, 20212 min read
Holidays without your loved one
The holiday season is a festive time of year, but it may not feel much like a celebration for people grieving the loss of a loved one....
Ann Hollander
Nov 22, 20212 min read
The special needs of Vietnam-era vets
Almost 3.5 million members of the military served in Vietnam between 1964 and 1975. Was your relative one of them? This group of veterans...
Ann Hollander
Nov 15, 20212 min read
Products for addressing incontinence
There are many undergarments designed to help with incontinence. They can't prevent it, but they can help your loved one feel more...
Ann Hollander
Nov 8, 20212 min read
Is Medicare Advantage the best choice?
Once a year, Medicare offers the option to change plans. In 2021, the Open Enrollment period is October 15–December 7. Your loved one may...
Ann Hollander
Nov 1, 20212 min read
Depression after a scary diagnosis
If the person you care for has a life-threatening illness, you might think it's only natural for them to feel down. Even hopeless from...
Ann Hollander
Oct 25, 20212 min read
Too many pills: When less is more
More than half of older adults take five or more medications per day. That's "polypharmacy," and can be dangerous. Taking too many...
Ann Hollander
Oct 18, 20212 min read
Managing emotional outbursts
If the person you care for has Alzheimer's disease or another type of dementia, you may find their sudden emotional swings more difficult...
Ann Hollander
Oct 11, 20212 min read
The "dignity of risk"
One of the most challenging dilemmas when caring for an aging parent is balancing their preference for independence with your concern for...
Ann Hollander
Oct 4, 20212 min read
Not all socks are created equal
What do a marathon runner and your aging parent have in common? Both could benefit from compression socks! By applying pressure to the...
Ann Hollander
Sep 27, 20212 min read
Dealing with anxiety
It's only natural for family caregivers to worry. Understandably, we spend a lot of time thinking about "what's next." But if you are in...
Ann Hollander
Sep 20, 20212 min read
Services at home: Medicare
Medicare is health insurance provided by the federal government. It covers adults 65 and older, as well as persons with disabilities. In...
Ann Hollander
Sep 13, 20212 min read
Coping with another person's pain
When your family member is in pain, you are suffering, too. The "mirror neurons" in our brains are programmed to recognize pain in...
Ann Hollander
Sep 6, 20213 min read
What is a daily money manager?
A financial advisor manages investments. A daily money manager (DMM) is someone who comes to the home once or twice a month to handle the...
Ann Hollander
Aug 30, 20212 min read
The decision to stop dialysis
Dialysis is life sustaining yet also quite taxing for the patient. About 25% of people who choose dialysis later decide to stop....
Ann Hollander
Aug 23, 20212 min read
Learning to forgive yourself
According to psychologist Rick Hanson, PhD, we all have an inner critic and an inner protector. Together they help us maintain a balanced...
Ann Hollander
Aug 16, 20212 min read
The healing power of music
Can listening to calming music actually ease pain? Can singing silly songs make you happier? Researchers say this isn't just a...
Ann Hollander
Aug 9, 20212 min read
Dealing with criticism
Receiving criticism is never a pleasant experience, especially from family members. Whether it is a sibling griping about how you care...
Ann Hollander
Aug 2, 20212 min read
What is a Medicaid spend down?
There are two forms of government health insurance: Medicare. Basically, age-based insurance for older adults (age 65+), regardless of...
Ann Hollander
Jul 26, 20212 min read
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