Columns

Caregiving is strenuous, so if you’re a caregiver and haven’t started a physical exercise routine, don’t put it off any longer. Better yet, get your loved one started on a physical exercise program, too. Nobody needs another reminder about the benefits of exercise — they’re as common as TV…

New caregivers can easily become overwhelmed by their responsibilities. But all of us who are caregivers were also overwhelmed at the start of our own caregiving journeys. Daunting is an overused term, but it is the most descriptive word for caregiving newbies. It is daunting to learn the ropes, especially…

It’s impossible to know the future. We may have an idea of what’s on the horizon, but we can’t be sure of a year’s outcome until it’s dissipated. Hindsight, as they say, is 20/20, so as you stand on the precipice of a new year, is there anything you…

Christmas is designed around anticipation — and not just from a marketing standpoint. Sure, the holiday has become significantly commercialized. Still, many years ago, on a hillside near Bethlehem, following an appearance of angels, shepherds were led to Bethlehem in anticipation of a babe in a manger. With great expectation,…

Both dementia, specifically Alzheimer’s disease, and hearing impairment are most prevalent among seniors. In the United States, one in three people ages 65 to 74 is affected by hearing loss, while 3% of that demographic has Alzheimer’s. Hearing loss has also been associated with cognitive impairment and an…

Some dementias are reversible. Now, that’s something we don’t hear every day but need to, right? Unfortunately, the most common form of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, isn’t reversible, but it’s important to understand that not every dementia leads to the mind-altering and life-changing disease that up to 5.8 million Americans…

“And let us not be weary in well-doing, for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” — Galatians 6:9 Growing weary is the easiest thing in the world to do. It is especially easy for people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers. Weariness is arguably…

Someone once said, “It’s better to be a day late than a dollar short.” Given that the United States celebrated Halloween yesterday, this column is coming up a bit short. However, as Allhallows Eve is the harbinger of the holiday season, I am hoping that the contents of this…

It is impossible to be ready for everything and anything, but the Boy Scout motto “Be prepared” is good advice for any caregiver. This is especially true for caregivers of those with dementia. Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease make it difficult to be prepared, because we can’t be certain about…

Caregiving often comes on suddenly. Perhaps you’re visiting an elderly parent, or they’ve come to your home for a stay, and you’ve noticed they’re not doing as well as you’d thought. You might have expected some decline, because it’s been a while since you last met them face-to-face. But…