Dementia: Creating Happy Memories at the Hairdresser
My mother has been going to the same hairdresser, Claudette Deroche, for years. I decided to take her for a cut and talk to Claudette about weekly appointments. On our way, I became aware of several things — all with a common theme. My mother was happy about everything.
Alzheimer’s: How to Make Mealtimes Easier
My mother, who has Alzheimer’s, loves chocolate. She always has, as far back as I can remember. She would never buy herself just one chocolate bar, opting for the entire box instead. She went through phases. For a long time, it was Hershey Bars, which she liked to eat soft and nearly melted. When she switched to Peanut Butter Cups, she preferred them icy cold from the freezer.
New Year’s Resolutions for Caregivers
It can especially difficult for people caring for a loved one to even entertain the thought of making some resolutions, let alone keep them. If there is a # 1 New Year’s resolution for caregivers, it might be, “To be a better caregiver.” Caregiving is an all-consuming, overwhelming responsibility and if you really want to do a better job than you’re probably already doing, we suggest that, instead, you make a resolution to take better care of yourself.If you think you don’t have the time or the energy to take care of you, too, we’ve compiled a list of helpful tips — little things that can make a big difference.
Home for the Holidays: Tips for Traveling with a Loved One with Dementia
Every holiday season Ray and his wife Camille fly to Michigan to spend time with their daughter and her family. They’ve been doing it for the past decade and have never missed a year. But things are different now. Ray has dementia and Camille is worried that the trip may be too much for him — and also for her.
Is it a cold or the flu and why it matters
My husband has had a cold for the past 10 days. It started with a runny nose and a little congestion and then he got a lumpy feeling in his throat. For several days he sneezed and sneezed and coughed and coughed.
A few years ago, I took a short nap and woke up with a sore throat and a fever. There wasn’t a place on my body that didn’t ache. I was miserable. Nothing made me feel better the first few days. Nothing. I had the flu.
What You Need to Know About Hypothermia and the Elderly
Shivering is one of those amazing things our bodies do to keep us operating at top speed. It’s as if we had an internal thermostat. Too hot, we sweat in order to cool off. Too cold, we shiver to stay warm. But did you know that as we age the thermostat doesn’t always work the way it should?