10 Things I wish I had known about caregiving
Summary Though every caregiving situation is different, there are some aspects of caregiving that apply to all caregivers. This article lists 10 things every caregiver should know. 1 . You are a caregiver. Anyone giving unpaid care to someone who needs help taking care of themselves is a caregiver. Yet, an AARP study showed that […]
Assisted living facilities
Summary Assisted living facilities are residences for older adults who are still active but need help with some activities of daily living. This article explains what assisted living facilities offer, the differences between them and skilled nursing facilities (nursing homes), and when a person should consider moving into an assisted living facility. It then lists […]
Normal memory loss versus dementia
Summary Memory loss is a normal part of aging. If a loved one can’t remember where they left their keys, the password for a website, or the name of a former classmate, it does not necessarily mean there is a problem. As long as there is no underlying medical condition, memory lapses such as these […]
Meal delivery services
There are many meal delivery services available for older adults. Some meal delivery services like HelloFresh, Blue Apron, and Hungryroot supply most or all of the ingredients for people to cook the meals themselves. Other meal delivery services such as Factor and Home Chef supply pre-made meals that can be heated up in a stove […]
Grocery and takeout delivery services
The market is full of inexpensive services that will bring almost anything to a person’s door anywhere, and at any time. Whether you are in search of groceries, medications, toiletries, tools, or takeout, there are a variety of delivery services in addition to delivery options from individual retailers. Delivery services like Amazon Fresh, Thrive Market, […]
Transportation
Summary For many older adults, transportation is a key to staying independent. However, for some, driving to appointments, shopping, services, or activities may no longer be possible due to health conditions or other circumstances. This article details some transportation options for adults who may no longer have access to a vehicle or be able to […]
Saving for retirement
Summary Deciding on how to invest, and in what types of accounts, can be challenging for people. This article gives a broad overview of the types of investment accounts available. It offers factual information on tax consequences and distribution benefits, but it does not offer investment advice. Consult with your financial investment advisor to determine […]
Getting financial assistance
Summary With fixed incomes, many older adults struggle to keep up with expenses. Fortunately, there are resources available to assist them, from housing and transportation to daily food benefits. This article offers information on some of the programs available to help older adults pay for everyday expenses. NCOA “Benefits CheckUp” website With fixed incomes, many […]
Choosing a health care option
Summary One of the most important and challenging aspects of being a caregiver is determining when an older adult may need medical attention from a clinical expert. The decision is not always obvious, and there are a range of options available. This article outlines the main types of health care options available and offers some […]
Caring for an older adult with dementia
Summary Caring for an older adult with dementia comes with specific challenges. This article explains some of those challenges and then offers basic tips for caregivers in this position. Challenges of caring for someone with dementia Caring for an older adult with dementia comes with specific challenges, including: A very high caregiver burden, often leading […]