Life Care Knowledge Center

Uprooting an Aging Loved One: What to Know

Packing up a lifetime of memories — and stuff —makes the prospect of moving an elderly loved one quite overwhelming. Add in a dementia diagnosis or terminal illness, a history of a strained relationship, or the recent loss of a spouse, and you have an even more complicated decision ahead of you. Still, there are times when a move is necessary so you can better provide the care, support and presence an older loved one needs.

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Understanding “Veterans’ Culture” When Caring for an Aging Vet

Veterans possess a level of love and loyalty that stems from their service time, but the baggage from service can last forever. And when they reach an age where they may require daily assistance within the home, it can be challenging. There's a veteran's culture of sorts, which needs to be understood to gain the trust and respect of the veteran.

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The Social Fallout From Falling

An older adult falls every second of every day, according to the Centers for Disease Control. The likelihood of a fall increases with age, up to 37 percent in people 85 years or older. So, it’s common to experience the fall of an elderly loved one. But what happens after the fall can dramatically impact your loved one’s recovery. In the aftermath, the daily life of the senior involves new priorities: healing and recovering, occupational therapy, physical therapy and doctor’s appointments. Meantime, the recovery process limits positive social interactions. Don’t let loneliness and loss of confidence creep into your senior’s life. These negative consequences are damaging to recovery.

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Leaving Hibernation: How Professional Caregivers Can Help Seniors Mitigate Risk of Spring Activities

No more icy sidewalks or frigid temperatures. The birds are singing; the sun is shining. But getting outside is still challenging for your father-in-law with balance issues, for your grandmother with dementia who wanders, or for your mom who’s recovering from an extended illness this winter. This spring, don’t let the risks outweigh the rewards of the season’s activities. Follow these tips for simple, enjoyable ways to take advantage of the warmer weather.

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If You Suspect Dementia: The Full Diagnostic Process

For the estimated 5.7 million Americans with Alzheimer's or related dementia (per the Alzheimer's Association's 2018 Facts & Figures report), every day is different. No two diagnostic processes are the same. No two journeys through the stages of the disease are the same. No two caregiving scenarios are the same. What is the same across the board? Ability. All people with Alzheimer's still maintain some level of expertise, and any supports implemented following a diagnosis should emphasize and seek to preserve those abilities.

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