How to Communicate with Elderly Parents
When you communicate with your elderly parents, do you ever think, "Maybe we're just not speaking the same language?" Or, "Why don't my senior parents understand? I only want to help, but there's just no talking to them." We "kids," many of whom are aged 50 to 70 ourselves, are dealing with all kinds of parental challenges, especially if Mom or Dad still lives at home on their own. We can clearly see the problems— everything from financial struggles...Read the rest of this article »Related Articles
The Dementias: Diagnosis, Treatment and Research
The Dementias: Diagnosis, Treatment and Research, 3rd edition, edited by Myron Weiner, MD, and Anne Lipton, MD, PhD, is very useful for professionals dealing with elders in later life. The chapters with practical, hands-on information are interspersed with clinical chapters that provide more in-depth explanations. While clinicians and other health professionals are the primary audience, the breadth of topics and the editors’ straightforward approach makes this book a helpful resource for everyone who has a friend or relative with...Read the rest of this article »Related Articles
Alzheimer's Disease: Understanding Wandering Behavior
Most families who care for a loved one with advanced Alzheimer’s disease ultimately opt for institutionalized patient care as the disease progresses. While many patients can remain in their homes for years, some of the behaviors associated with advanced Alzheimer’s disease are extremely difficult to control, causing families to seek care outside of the home. In this article, I will discuss one of those behaviors—wandering—and what can be done to help understand it and ensure that your loved one...Read the rest of this article »Related Articles
Technology Gifts for Seniors Who Hate Computers
Now the gift-giving season is behind us, I know, but I just got off the phone with Landel, the maker of Mailbug, a single-purpose e-mail appliance for the PC-less (or PC-useless) home. Wouldn’t it just be a crazy idea this holiday season to give a suite of communication products to PC-less parents, grandparents and in-laws? Lots of seniors are averse to using computers. Here are some options for communication technology that doesn’t require the use of a PC: Mailbug,...Read the rest of this article »Related Articles
Alzheimer's: Transitioning from Home to Assisted Living
The names in this case study have been changed to protect confidentiality. The facts come from an actual situation involving a move from home to assisted living. Facing an Alzheimer’s Diagnosis “Amanda,” age 62, was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease when she was in her late fifties. It was a very sad diagnosis for an otherwise vibrant, independent single woman. She lived alone in a comfortable home, had a boyfriend, sufficient funds, and a good life. She had always...Read the rest of this article »Related Articles
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