Avoid delayed decisions and discord
Summary Caregiving involves many decisions, both large and small. This article explains the importance of making timely decisions in caregiving, and then offers several ways to improve the decision-making process and handle any family discord. Decision-making in caregiving Caregiving involves many decisions, both large and small. They range from ongoing daily judgment calls, such as […]
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 […]
Avoid dehydration
Summary Dehydration is a top issue for older adults and their caregivers. This article explains the causes and signs of dehydration. It then suggests ways for the caregiver to help the older adult stay hydrated. What is dehydration? Dehydration is a top issue for older adults and their caregivers. Dehydration happens when a person has […]
What to do if elder abuse occurs
Summary Elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation should never be ignored. Whether the abuse is physical, psychological, financial, or sexual, it rarely stops on its own. This article lists some of the main steps to take in responding to known or suspected elder abuse. Responding to elder abuse Elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation should never be […]
Making the home environment safe for older adults
Summary Safety adjustments often need to be made to home environments to accommodate conditions such as frailty, limited mobility, poor vision, and dementia. This article lists the main home injury risks for older adults. It then offers general and room-by-room suggestions for making the home environment safer. Home injury risks for older adults Safety adjustments […]
Caring for an older adult with limited mobility
Summary When an older adult becomes less able to stand, walk, balance, turn around, bend over, and perform other movements that use their large muscle groups, they are considered to have limited mobility. This article discusses some causes of limited mobility, and then lists the main steps to take when caring for an older adult […]
Preventing elder abuse
Summary Elder abuse is a widespread problem. This article lists some of the common signs that an older adult may be being abused. It then describes steps to take to prevent different types of elder abuse. The elder abuse problem Elder abuse is a widespread problem. About 1 in every 10 adults over the age […]
Types of elder abuse
Summary The term “elder abuse” includes physical, psychological/verbal, financial, and sexual abuse. It also includes self-neglect on the part of the older adult and neglect or abandonment by the caregiver. This article defines the main types of elder abuse. What is elder abuse? The term “elder abuse” includes physical, financial, psychological, verbal, and sexual abuse. […]
Take care of yourself physically
Summary Caregivers need to make their physical health a top priority, if they want to maintain their quality of life and give care in a sustainable way. This article explains the toll caregiving can take on physical health and then lists key ways for caregivers to stay healthy. Effects of caregiving on physical health Caregivers […]