You’ve Got Mail – So Check It Often!
Friday, June 16th, 2017 | Caregiving, TennCare/CHOICES
It may seem obvious that it’s important to check mail often and to respond when needed, but in the age of e-mail and online forms, sometimes so-called “snailmail” may be misplaced or forgotten – especially by those who have had to take over the task of checking the mailbox for a loved one. At ELET, […]
Read More »The Power of Denial in Decision-Making
Friday, June 9th, 2017 | Caregiving, Life Care Planning
Every family brings their own dynamics to the table when they start planning for the long-term care of a loved one. Complicated relationships and family histories, guilty feelings related to “not doing enough,” and the general stress of unexpected and unplanned-for transitions all have the potential to get in the way of establishing the best […]
Read More »People with Dementia Aren’t Children – So Don’t Treat Them That Way
Friday, May 26th, 2017 | Caregiving, Dementia
It is easy to think of a person with a dementia diagnosis as being “child-like.” After all, many of the behaviors associated with dementia – mood swings, tantrums, irrationality, forgetfulness, and vocabulary problems, for example – are similar to behaviors exhibited by young children. These surface-level similarities lead many caregivers of people with dementia to […]
Read More »Powerful Tools for Caregivers
Monday, September 12th, 2016 | Caregiving
Caregiving is not for the faint of heart. If you are currently a caregiver for a relative or friend, you may be experiencing increased stress, anxiety, or depression. These symptoms commonly appear in individuals who manage the daunting task of caring long-term for another human being. You likely are already taking care of your own […]
Read More »The Therapeutic Effect of Music for Dementia
Tuesday, April 26th, 2016 | Caregiving, Dementia
Singer/songwriter Glen Campbell, the original Rhinestone Cowboy, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease in 2011 after several years of cognitive decline. Despite his diagnosis, he was able to continue to write music and perform live for more than a year. In interviews, Glen’s neurologist stated that music helped with his cognitive function, staving off symptoms of […]
Read More »“Smart” Utensils Help Those with Tremor Feed Themselves
Monday, April 18th, 2016 | Caregiving, Health & Safety
According to the American Academy of Neurology, approximately 10 million Americans suffer from tremor. Tremor, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, is defined as “unintentional rhythmic muscle movements involving to-and-fro movements (oscillations) of one or more parts of the body. It is the most common of all involuntary movements and can […]
Read More »Why Palliative Care?
Monday, March 28th, 2016 | Caregiving
For those with a chronic illness, palliative care may be the key to getting the most out of life. Getting a diagnosis of a chronic, life-changing illness can be a real emotional blow. The actual diagnosis usually comes after a long process of dealing with disturbing symptoms, visiting various medical specialists, and undergoing countless diagnostic tests. In the […]
Read More »The Importance of Social Interaction for Seniors
Monday, March 14th, 2016 | Caregiving, Health & Safety
Among many obvious contributors to poor health in the elderly – such as lifestyle, past injuries, or limited access to medical care – there is one factor which may not be immediately obvious but has a significant impact on overall health: isolation. With old age comes an increased risk of isolation as the older adult […]
Read More »Helping an Elder Downsize and Move
Monday, February 15th, 2016 | Caregiving, Long Term Care Facilities
When a loved one reaches the stage in aging or illness where it is no longer practical or possible to live alone, a transition to a care facility or to the home of a relative may become necessary. Moving is a stressful process for anyone, but for an elder, moving away from the family home […]
Read More »November is National Alzheimer’s Month and National Family Caregivers Month
Wednesday, November 25th, 2015 | Caregiving, Dementia
In this season in which we celebrate family, togetherness, and years of happy memories, it is perhaps appropriate that we also celebrate November as both National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month and National Family Caregivers Month. Although there is much to be grateful for, this time of year can be especially difficult for those whose memories are […]
Read More »
