Family caregivers often find themselves navigating unchartered waters. Some learn how to change dressings on a senior’s wound after surgery, while others master tasks like grooming and bathing. Adult children may even learn how to protect a loved one’s dignity when dementia is trying to rob them of it. The newest challenge for family caregivers is among the most serious— the novel coronavirus.
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurological disorder that affects over 1 million people in the United States. Most common in men over the age of 60, PD often develops in adults with a family history of the disease.
In the months leading up to a senior loved one’s transition to an assisted living community, family members are often busy juggling all of the details of the move. From helping the senior to downsize and sell their home to figuring out a floor plan for their new suite or villa, the busy days often leave little time for much else.
After a grandparent moves to an assisted living community, visits from the youngest generation are more important than ever. Besides the enjoyment they bring, there is the opportunity to show off the grandkids to new neighbors.
Understanding the different types of senior care can be a little confusing for families. When a loved one needs help, it’s often hard to navigate your way through the maze of options available. Because an assisted living community and a skilled nursing center sound so similar on paper, deciding which one is the best fit requires research.
The holiday season is a hectic time of year. For some families, it includes traveling to a loved one’s home hundreds of miles away. For others, it means hosting festive celebrations. When you are the primary caregiver for a senior loved one, juggling the demands of the season can be complicated. This is especially true if the family elder you are caring for isn’t safe staying alone.
The issue of older driver safety is complicated. While some may think age should be the primary determinant in deciding when to hang up the keys, the reality is more complex. An active eighty-year-old may be much safer behind the wheel of a car than a sixty-five-year-old with medical issues.
Working in conjunction with siblings to care for a parent can be rewarding and challenging. Families often find it provides opportunities to reconnect and reminisce. For some, it’s the first time in years everyone has been together.