Author: andrew

What to Do When an Elderly Person Stops Eating

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When you’re a caretaker for an elderly loved one, you worry about a lot of things like falls and complications from medications. What you might not have thought about is what to do when they stop eating or drinking. This does happen, so it’s best to know what to look for and how to handle … Continued

Caregivers of Cancer Patients: Words of Encouragement

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Dear Allegra, My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer last winter. It is a diagnosis that caught us off guard, as she lives a very healthy lifestyle and has no family history of the disease. I am working with my father and siblings to provide her with the care she needs as she undergoes chemotherapy. … Continued

The Benefits of Music for Elderly Adults

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The relationship between music and the elderly can be beneficial both as a form of stress relief and to aid in cognitive abilities. In this piece, we will explore how music can assist seniors in living a quality life. Music and Alzheimers According to the American Music Therapy Association, studies have shown that music activities … Continued

Goals for Caregivers

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Dear Allegra, I recently finished training to be an in-home caregiver and started my first job as a professional caregiver! One of my instructors suggested setting caregiver goals for ourselves. I like this idea a lot, but I’m not sure how to get started. Can you share a few things I should consider as I start working … Continued

Lewy Body Dementia Life Expectancy

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Lewy body dementia is a debilitating and progressive disease. From onset to the end of life, there are a number of symptoms that typically get worse as time goes on. With that in mind, it is important to understand the stages, symptoms, and life expectancy of this serious disease. What Is Lewy Body Dementia? Lewy … Continued

The Best Leg Exercises for Seniors and the Elderly

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Muscle and flexibility are gradually lost with age. That includes our legs, the largest muscle group in the body. Strong legs are integral to nearly every type of daily activity, which is why seated leg exercises for the elderly can help to develop and maintain independence. Stronger legs can even improve balance and coordination, reducing … Continued

Conferences for Caregivers

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Dear Allegra, I’ve been a professional caregiver for 3 years now. I love my job and making a difference in the lives of seniors and their families. I know how important it is for me to keep improving my knowledge and skills. My employer offers ongoing training programs, but I’d like to do more. I’m … Continued

What Is Validation Therapy?

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It can be notoriously difficult to communicate with a disoriented person. When dementia causes someone to behave as though they were in their own time and space, many of our instincts to help can have the opposite effect. Although there’s no cure for dementia, practices like validation therapy may provide relief. But what is validation … Continued

Dementia and Constant Crying: What to Know

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In her blog, Dementia Diaries: A Journey With Dementia, Cassandra details her mom’s life with dementia. In one post, Mom’s Crying Spells, she wrote about how she was helping her mom blow dry her hair. Suddenly, she began crying out of nowhere: “”What’s wrong mom? What’s the matter?” I asked her. Of course she didn’t … Continued