Category Archives: Dementia

On Dementia: Care, Community and Creativity

Aging Life Care Professionals, Aging Well, Alzheimer's, Dementia, Guest Writer, Keri Pollock, Mental Health

Conversations of hope, joy, and better ways to care for and support individuals living with dementia and their care partners More than 5 million Americans live with Alzheimer’s disease and over 15 million family members, friends and volunteers serve as care partners, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. Individuals with Alzheimer’s and other dementias do not … Continue reading On Dementia: Care, Community and Creativity →

Alzheimer’s and the Family Caregiver

Aging in Place, Aging Parents, Aging Well, Alzheimer's, Caregiving, Dementia, Family Members, Guest Writer, Keri Pollock, , , , , ,

November is National Family Caregivers Month and National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month. These observances help raise awareness about the challenges of caregiving for families, especially Alzheimer’s caregiving, as well as increase support for and educate caregivers and their communities. The current COVID-19 pandemic has also presented new realities and stresses. According to the Centers for … Continue reading Alzheimer’s and the Family Caregiver →

“Dad resists every suggestion I make! Help!”

Aging in Place, Aging Life Care Professionals, Aging Parents, Alzheimer's, Care Managers, Caregiving, Dementia, Family Members, Guest Writer, Linda Fodrini-Johnson, Long-Term Care, Mental Health

Susan is getting burnt out trying to care for her 91 year old father.  She has a part-time job teaching and takes care of her two school-age grandchildren in the afternoons.  Her mother has been gone for three years and Dad is truly struggling to stay independent, and failing at that.  His neighbors and church … Continue reading “Dad resists every suggestion I make! Help!” →

Caring for our Elders and Raising Abuse Awareness

Aging Parents, Aging Well, Barbara (Bobbi) Kolonay, Caregiving, Dementia, Elder Abuse, Family Members, Financial, Guardianship, Guest Writer, Mental Health

Nearly 1 in 10 American senior citizens are abused or neglected each year, yet only 1 in 14 cases of elder abuse is brought to the attention of authorities, according to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Elder abuse can mean physical and psychological harm, but it also may manifest through financial exploitation … Continue reading Caring for our Elders and Raising Abuse Awareness →

Suicide Among Older Adults – And Help For Them

Aging Parents, Dementia, Events, Family Members, Grief and Loss, Guest Writer, Mental Health, Support, Susan Birenbaum

//// By Susan Birenbaum LCSW, MBA, C-ASWCM //// People do not realize that suicide is a major problem in the elderly. Since Older Adults have so many medical issues, it is assumed that death is a result of co-morbidity rather than suicide. Albeit, our society does not value older adults as other cultures do. In … Continue reading Suicide Among Older Adults – And Help For Them →

Social Isolation Due to COVID-19

Aging Life Care Professionals, Aging Parents, Assisted Living, Care Managers, Dementia, Family Members, Guest Writer, Kizzy Chambers, Mental Health, Uncategorized

//// by: Kizzy Chambers //// The pandemic of COVID-19 has increased concerns about older adults’ cognition among many family members. Most of us understand that older adults or individuals with significant cognitive impairment or dementia, need stability and routine. As a result of the COVID-19, visitors are prohibited in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. … Continue reading Social Isolation Due to COVID-19 →

Addressing the Mental Health Concerns of Seniors in the Corona-virus World

Bunni Dybnis, Dementia, Elder Abuse, Family Members, Grief and Loss, Guest Writer, Mental Health, Support

by: Bunni Dybnis, MA, LMFT, CMC COVID-19 has dramatically changed our world. The news, warnings, restrictions, instructions, double messages, shortages, politics, financial implications are never-ending.  Most are resilient.  After the initial chaos, fears, panic, and confusion, the emotional upheaval will settle down.  Most will adapt to the changing world as we have adjusted to life’s … Continue reading Addressing the Mental Health Concerns of Seniors in the Corona-virus World →

Love In the Time of COVID-19

Alzheimer's, Care Managers, COVID-19, Dementia, End of Life Care, Family Members, Guest Writer, Lisa Kaufman, Mental Health, Support, , , , ,

by Lisa Kaufman I received a call this morning. A man who has never spoken with me before wanted my opinion about the care needs of his 80-year-old mother. He explained that she has moderate to severe (read severe) dementia, visual impairment, is hard of hearing and is in renal failure requiring dialysis. He went … Continue reading Love In the Time of COVID-19 →

Caring for the Caregiver: Emotional Support After a Loved One’s Dementia Diagnosis

Aging in Place, Aging Life Care Professionals, Aging Parents, Caregiving, Dementia, Uncategorized,

By Linda Fodrini-Johnson, MA, MFT, CMC When a parent or spouse can no longer do what they did yesterday, it becomes another transition for the primary caregiver and for the extended family. These transitions catch us off guard and an overwhelming sense of loss and grief is experienced by the primary care provider.  They often … Continue reading Caring for the Caregiver: Emotional Support After a Loved One’s Dementia Diagnosis →

Dementia & The Holidays: Tips for a Stress-Free Celebration

Aging Parents, Aging Well, Care Recipients, Caregiving, Dementia, Events, Family Members, , ,

Celebrating the Holidays with Dementia by Lisa Mayfield, MA, LMHC, GMHS, CMC, Principal, Fellow Certified Care Manager The holidays can often be a time filled with high expectations, requiring lots of energy and engagement in non-stop activities. For the individuals and families living with Alzheimer’s or a related dementia, it can be challenging and a … Continue reading Dementia & The Holidays: Tips for a Stress-Free Celebration →