Your aging parent may be keeping secrets from you. Not necessarily lies, but withholding of information that may be important to their health, safety or general well-being. Sometimes, when elderly parents keep secrets, its because they feel their Independence slipping away. They might be embarrassed to ask for help. They might fear their family's reaction. [...]
To listen fully means to pay close attention to what is being said beneath the words. You listen not only to the 'music,' but to the essence of the person speaking. - Peter Senge "Real connections can't happen without effective listening," says Beverly Edgehill, president and chief executive of Partnership Inc. "Listening is more [...]
The mental changes that accompany Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia not only impact a person's ability to recall past events, they can dramatically alter that individual's capacity for communication. Here are ten tips to keep conversations with a cognitively-impaired loved one positive and valuable for everyone involved: Face-off: Establishing friendly eye contact and [...]
The responsibility of providing care for an aging or ill loved one is a challenge in its own right. But when a care recipient is domineering about how and when every single task is done, it’s bound to exasperate those who are in charge of their daily care. Maybe Mom demands that you keep her [...]
There is a lot of pressure on people to enjoy themselves during the holidays. The reality, however, is that many people feel increasingly isolated and unhappy during this season of goodwill, and elders can have an especially hard time. While aging can bring wisdom and experience, there are inevitable losses that even the healthiest seniors [...]
“I just can’t get the checkbook to balance this month.” Those words were my first inkling that Mom might not be as sharp as she once was. I was taken by surprise. She had managed her own finances with aplomb for many years, and all I provided was a little coaching. She remembered all of [...]
The holiday season is a happy and joyous time for most of us, but many seniors find this time of year to be hectic, confusing and even depressing, depending on their mental and physical conditions. The good news is that everyone can help contribute to a happier season for the seniors in our lives by [...]
Imagine trying to have a conversation and constantly having to ask your companions to repeat themselves; or not being able to participate in a group discussion in the common room because the TV is on and six people are chatting around you. Sadly, this is the harsh reality of many seniors. According to the Hearing [...]
There are many things that caregivers can do to help themselves and their loved ones prepare for any type of emergency or disaster, but it is best to be ready well in advance, before a dire situation arises. Remember to contact your local fire department or your community’s emergency management office for help with your [...]
Adult children often experience major relationship role-changes as their parents get older. These role changes are at times uncomfortable, unfamiliar and can leave us feeling isolated and unsettled. As we come into the holidays, many of us will spend more time with family and feel the tensions that naturally come when the “closeness factor” changes. [...]
