HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE CARE – UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENCE

by Melissa L. Johnson, RN, BSN, MHA, CHPN, CCM – Aging Life Care Association® Member Palliative care and hospice care are both specialized healthcare models that focus on palliation, or relief of symptoms, associated with serious, debilitating illnesses. Such symptoms may include pain, difficulty breathing, nausea, or the need for additional emotional support. Palliative care … Continue reading HOSPICE AND …

HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE CARE – UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENCE

by Melissa L. Johnson, RN, BSN, MHA, CHPN, CCM – Aging Life Care Association® Member Palliative care and hospice care are both specialized healthcare models that focus on palliation, or relief of symptoms, associated with serious, debilitating illnesses. Such symptoms may include pain, difficulty breathing, nausea, or the need for additional emotional support. Palliative care … Continue reading HOSPICE AND …

When A Loved One Won’t Eat

By: Jennifer Beach, LSW, MA, C-SWCM I have seen many family members and caregivers struggle with the challenges of getting a loved one to eat, specifically those individuals with late-stage dementia, as well as with the later stages of many chronic diseases. Changes in appetite often come with dementia and many chronic diseases. We know that if a person is …

Caregivers Guide to Oral Care for Dentures

Dr. Alisa Kauffman, a dentist specializing in geriatric care, shares her expertise to help caregivers become more confident in providing daily oral care to seniors — whether by brushing, flossing and using picks, or removing and cleaning full or partial dentures. Below is the second in a two-part series of a caregivers guide to oral care focusing on denture and …

Caregiving & Money

By: Jennifer Beach, LSW, MA, C-SWCM Mrs. Blackburn is in her 80s and has been a widow for almost 15 years. After her husband died, she remained in the family home. She eventually created a new life for herself; she joined organizations, made new friends and remained involved in her community. All three of her children live out of town. …

Reading & Reading Aloud: Benefits for You and Those with Memory Challenges

By: Jennifer Beach, LSW, MA, C-SWCM We are all aware of the amazing benefits that technology has brought us, from our smart devices to YouTube. We can access endless information in seconds, and we don’t even have to read.  Everything now seems to be in video format, allowing us to simply watch. There are countless debates and arguments on both …

Caregivers Guide to Oral Care

Dr. Alisa Kaufman, a dentist specializing in geriatric care, shares her expertise to help caregivers become more confident in providing daily oral care to seniors — whether by brushing, flossing and using picks, or removing and cleaning full or partial dentures. Below is first in a two-part series of a caregivers guide to oral care. … Continue reading Caregivers Guide …

Caregivers Guide to Oral Care

Dr. Alisa Kaufman, a dentist specializing in geriatric care, shares her expertise to help caregivers become more confident in providing daily oral care to seniors — whether by brushing, flossing and using picks, or removing and cleaning full or partial dentures. Below is first in a two-part series of a caregivers guide to oral care. … Continue reading Caregivers Guide …

Dealing with the (Longer Than Ever) Waiting Room

By: Jennifer Beach, LSW, MA, C-SWCM Mrs. Jones had a follow-up doctor’s appointment with her PCP (Primary Care Physician) scheduled for 10 a.m. on Thursday morning. She typically gets up around 8am, but on the Thursday of the appointment she got up an hour early. She wanted to ensure she had enough time to get ready, find a parking space, …

Dementia and the Holidays: Tips for a Comfortable Celebration

The holidays can often be filled with high expectations, requiring lots of energy and engagement in non-stop activities. For the individuals living with Alzheimer’s or a related dementia and their families, holidays can be challenging and a time of high anxiety. Festivities can agitate, confuse, and overstimulate persons living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. … Continue reading Dementia and …