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Common misconceptions about hospice
Many families caring for a seriously ill loved one struggle alone unnecessarily. They miss out on vital support services because they...
Ann Hollander
May 11, 20202 min read
Return to a good night's sleep
If your older loved one snores loudly, he or she likely has sleep apnea: A collapsing of the airways while sleeping that results in...
Ann Hollander
Apr 27, 20202 min read
Hallucinations in later life
"I don't like that bear on my bed!" A visual hallucination such as this can occur in the later stages of dementia or near the end of...
Ann Hollander
Apr 20, 20202 min read
Doctors and advance directives
If your loved one and family have had the conversation about end-of-life wishes, kudos to you! In addition to writing down those wishes...
Ann Hollander
Apr 13, 20202 min read
Are you pushing against reality?
We all quarrel with reality from time to time and wish things were different than they are. Especially now, when life seems unfair. All...
Ann Hollander
Apr 6, 20202 min read
Are generic drugs inferior?
If your relative is taking brand-name prescription drugs, a switch to generic could provide significant savings. Why are brand-name drugs...
Ann Hollander
Mar 30, 20202 min read
Does Dad "saw logs" all night?
If your loved one snores, this may be a sign of "sleep apnea." All snoring jokes aside, sleep apnea is a serious condition that deprives...
Ann Hollander
Mar 16, 20202 min read
Caring for a loved one with COVID-19?
What we know so far is that COVID-19 is spread much like the regular flu—through coughs and sneezes that put droplets in the air and on...
Ann Hollander
Mar 5, 20203 min read
Dad can't brush his teeth
Is dementia making oral care difficult? Unfortunately, this isn't a task to let go. Poor mouth care leads to cavities and gum disease,...
Ann Hollander
Mar 2, 20202 min read
The myth of self-reliance
As a society, we value independence. The self-sufficient super-achiever. When it comes to family caregiving, however, this mind-set can...
Ann Hollander
Feb 24, 20202 min read
Early signs of heart failure
Too often, older adults assume that fatigue and trouble breathing are just a natural part of aging or being out of shape. They aren't. In...
Ann Hollander
Feb 17, 20202 min read
Caring for your marriage, also
With Valentine's Day on the horizon, it's a good time to consider strategies to prevent your partner from getting overlooked because of...
Ann Hollander
Feb 10, 20202 min read
When is your loved one "too isolated"?
When caregiving draws us closer to a family member's routines, we're sometimes surprised by what we find. Perhaps you've noticed that Dad...
Ann Hollander
Feb 3, 20202 min read
Immediately after a death
Upon a loved one's last breath, you may find yourself a little disoriented. Respect that otherworldliness. Families often just sit in...
Ann Hollander
Jan 27, 20202 min read
Adding meaning to your life
Each new year's dawning seems like a nudge to check one's personal compass. Are you headed in the direction you want to be going? Has...
Ann Hollander
Jan 13, 20202 min read
Too much gratitude?
The benefits of gratitude are well understood. Studies show, for example, that approaching life from a grateful stance yields a stronger...
Ann Hollander
Nov 25, 20192 min read
Talking about brain health
Are you concerned a loved one may have dementia? If so, be careful how you bring it up. It’s a scary subject! Before jumping to...
Ann Hollander
Nov 18, 20192 min read
Preventing flare-ups of COPD
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) thickens airways, making it harder to breathe in and get enough oxygen. Damage to the lungs...
Ann Hollander
Nov 11, 20192 min read
Red flags for COPD
November is COPD Awareness month. COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is a lung condition that gets steadily worse over time. It...
Ann Hollander
Nov 4, 20192 min read
Medicare Open Enrollment Tips
Are you happy with your relative's Medicare plan? If not, fall is the annual "Open Enrollment" period. This is when you can change plans...
Ann Hollander
Sep 23, 20192 min read
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