Medication abuse is a grave issue for seniors diagnosed with dementia. Far too often, nursing homes and other facilities use powerful antipsychotics and related medication, not to help residents, but rather in an attempt to control their behavior. These medications aren’t just ineffective. They can also be dangerous, as they can raise the risk of […]
Featured Posts
The Intersection of Dementia and Spirituality at End of Life
Dementia is a debilitating condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It robs individuals of their cognitive abilities, memories, and ultimately, their independence. As dementia progresses, questions about the awareness of their impending death often arise. Do loved ones with dementia know that death is near? What’s the best way to help them transition? How […]
Why Don’t Adult Siblings Get Along?
Most caregivers have run into at least a few examples of sibling conflict. The issue is almost inevitable. No matter how hard you try or how much you communicate, there are always some points of contention. It may seem like even the simplest decisions require hours of discussion and that you get questioned at every […]
The Silent Crisis of Benzodiazepines, Antipsychotics and Dementia Care
Even with my decades of experience in elder care and gerontology, navigating dementia care for my father was nothing short of overwhelming for my family. Nevertheless, despite all the challenges, my dad spent all but one month of his 18 years with Alzheimer’s, cared for by my mother at home. Sadly, his last month was […]
Is Self-Care Selfish? Where Those Stories Come From And How To Counter Them
Self-care. The idea has become a buzzword and the most frequently given pieces of advice for caregivers. From one perspective, it’s solid advice. Of course it is. You can’t physically, mentally, or emotionally keep giving all the time. You need to refill your tanks. You need to rest. Yet, many caregivers struggle to actually support […]
Healthy Habits For Caregivers
Habits are small decisions and practices you follow regularly, often daily. They can be helpful or harmful and get to the point of being automatic – something you don’t even think about. As a result, habits can be a powerful way to make large changes. Accumulating positive habits and decreasing negative ones can have surprisingly […]