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How To Have Family Conversations About Aging
As our families age, we all face changes and challenges that require us to grow and adjust to the new realities as they come. In The Dynamics of Aging Families by John W. Gibson, DSW and Bonnie Brown Hartley, Ph.D., the authors discuss how to make the changing dynamics work for the most positive outcome. In the section titled “Talking with Your Aging Parents,” the authors give several wonderful tips for families who find that it is time to have what may be a hard family conversation to have. While they may be difficult, these are necessary conversations, and we offer these helpful guidelines for getting them started and keeping them on the right track. First, be prepared and think through what you are going to discuss. It’s even better if you can talk the issues through beforehand with an objective friend or adviser. At the meeting itself share your observations, concerns, information and resources with your family. Be prepared to “plant […]
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How Is Depression Related To Dementia?
Researchers have done a lot of theorizing about how depression is related to dementia. A recent study (published in the journal, Neurology) finds that there is, indeed, a link between depression and dementia, and further research is needed to understand more about the cause and effect relationship between the two. The major theories on the reason depression and dementia often occur together fall into three groups. One theory says that depression is an early sign or symptom of dementia. Another theory is that when depression occurs, it damages the brain, leading to dementia. Stress and depression result in the release of cortisol. Over the course of time, cortisol can cause harm to the brain. A third theory is that depression may cause reduced brain volume which is a significant risk factor of dementia. There are some important take-aways from this research. One valuable conclusion of these findings is that people with depression symptoms should get treatment for it even if the symptoms aren’t disabling. Treatment […]
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Caring for Aging Parents
It is typical for aging parents to maybe ask for an occasional favor, but most won’t ask their adult children for help with the house or with their daily activities, even though they may actually need it. Instead, they’re likely to adjust or adapt their needs or their activities. They might just do their tasks more slowly, they may use an adaptive device such as a reacher, or they might agree to wear a medical alert bracelet or necklace. The problem is, they may not be admitting to their “kids” that they are having trouble with some things, such as remembering when to take medication, or tripping and dropping things, or they are not eating regularly. They may see these things as none of the kids’ business or they themselves may be in denial about what’s happening. It can be that the adult children are in denial too. It can be hard to acknowledge that a parent is declining and needs more […]
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Choosing A Senior Community
Many seniors prefer senior living communities over living alone. If you haven’t visited a senior living facility lately, you will be surprised to find that senior housing options have changed significantly just in the last decade. The choices today range from cozy and homey to high-end luxury more like a hotel, and they definitely do not have an institutional vibe. Most of the seniors who have moved to assisted living communities or other senior living situations are very happy with their new homes, and are glad they made the move. These are some of the reasons they prefer it to living alone. No more yard upkeep and home maintenance chores. These things can become very difficult to keep up with, especially as we age and develop physical limitations. An end to boredom. There are all kinds of activities and entertainment opportunities both within the facility and out in the wider community. Improved relationships with family members. When older adults live alone, they often become quite […]
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Easing Loneliness For Seniors
After last week’s article on the serious consequences of what some have called the “senior loneliness epidemic”, we have some very effective suggestions for counteracting loneliness and isolation. If you’re worried about an older friend or family member, or are yourself feeling the effects of isolation, consider these solutions. Look for a new living situation. Staying in your home after family and friends move away, can lead to social isolation. Women are more likely to live alone as they get older. Seniors who live in some kind of senior community will often say they wish they had moved sooner. In these communities social activities and social interaction are easy to access, and feelings of loneliness are much less prevalent. Solve any transportation issues. Social isolation can be caused by a lack of transportation, which can then impact one’s social life. Keep in mind that most cities have great transportation options for seniors. Contact your local agency on aging for more information on transportation. Discover […]
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Loneliness In Later Life
Many recent studies have linked loneliness in the elderly population with declining health and earlier death. The statistics on isolation and loneliness are sobering. One study found that adults 60 or older who described themselves as lonely were 59% more likely to show a decrease in their ability to carry out daily activities. A study published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry found that elderly people who thought of themselves as lonely, regardless of whether they lived alone, were twice as likely to develop dementia than others over a three year time frame. A recent study done by Brigham Young University looked at the health records of 300,000 adults, and they found that loneliness was a strong predictor of an early death. Just as strong a predictor as alcoholism or daily smoking. And it was an even better predictor than variables such as obesity or sedentary lifestyle. The researchers in this study urged that we need to acknowledge that social connectedness […]
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Choosing An Assisted Living Facility
Choosing an assisted living facility for an aging loved one can be a daunting task. Today there are many options available, and this can make the decision feel quite overwhelming. Doing your research can help you feel more in control of the process, and you will be able to help your loved one settle into the place that’s right for them. Here are some helpful tips on what to look for in a facility. Look for public certificates clearly displayed. You should be able to view inspection reports, and certificates from the Department of Public Health, the Department of Public Safety and the Fire Department. Look for cleanliness. Keep in mind that the level of cleanliness you see when you visit the facility is probably a good indicator of the cleanliness of the building all the time. See if the standard of cleanliness matches your standards. Notice how clean it smells too. What is the level of transparency? When you tour, every […]
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Becoming A Caregiver
If you are considering becoming your parent’s caregiver there are some questions you need to ask yourself. As you prepare to take on the task of being a caregiver, you will have to take an honest look at yourself and your life. Your availability, your stamina, your personality, and your caregiving capabilities are all things that will have an effect on your decision. Being a caregiver can entail not only performing basic care, care of the home, medical care tasks, but also may involve coordinating other care providers and appointments, and advocating for your loved one. Being a caregiver to an aging parent is likely to affect your physical, mental, and emotional health. It will also change your relationship with your parent and impact your other relationships too. Being as prepared as you can be will help to minimize the surprises. Here are some things you need to consider before taking on this challenging role: Am I capable of taking care […]
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Tips For The Sandwich Generation
The term “Sandwich Generation” refers to those caregivers who are both caring for their aging parent(s) and for their children who are still at home. Members of the Sandwich Generation are mostly age 40 to 59. Men and women are equally likely to be included in the Sandwich Generation. These are caregivers who are pulled in many different directions, and may be for many years. They may provide physical care, financial support and emotional support for both their elders and the younger generation. About half of all adults currently in their 40s and 50s have at least one parent older than 65 and are also raising a child or are financially supporting a grown child. About 15% in this age group are providing some kind of financial support to both an aging parent and a child. Life in the Sandwich Generation can be a bit stressful, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that these caregivers are less happy than people of […]
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Our Family Stories
There is interesting recent research that shows that younger family members who have more knowledge of their personal family history reap some significant benefits. They tend to exhibit greater emotional resilience, and they face stress and life’s challenges more effectively. A study conducted by Dr. Marshall Duke and Dr. Robyn Fivush, in which they asked children a series of 20 “Do you know” questions about their family history, revealed a strong correlation between knowing family history and emotional resilience. “The more children knew about their family’s history, the stronger their sense of control over their lives, the higher their self esteem and the more successfully they believed their families functioned,” the New York Times reported. Family traditions, stories, and rituals strengthen family bonds and contribute to our sense of belonging to something bigger than ourselves, and create an “intergenerational self”, as Dr. Duke puts it. One way of promoting this understanding of family history is to create an oral family history, which is […]
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Caring For Aging Skin25 Feb 2016
You may notice the following changes as your skin ages. It becomes thinner and loses fat, looking less smooth than it used to. Veins and bones become more prominent through the skin. Scratches, cuts and […]
Short Term Options2 Feb 2016
Many seniors who are looking for senior housing don’t know about short term stay options that are available at many senior living communities. There are a few different reasons you or your loved one might […]