Thursday July 9th, 2015
Is your parent frail?
"Frailty" used to be a rather vague description, like "old age." Recently, however, it has been recognized as a cluster of conditions that deserve medical attention.
The signs of frailty are:
Blog
Thursday June 25th, 2015
Addressing your stressors
When times are hard, many of us grit our teeth and keep plugging away. While such commitment can be admirable, it can also lead to resentment and burnout.
Friday June 19th, 2015
The post-discharge appointment
Newly discharged patients are fragile and need special attention. As many as 20% end up back in the hospital within a month. A follow-up visit with the doctor can greatly reduce the chance of a relapse.
Start connecting with your relative's doctor before leaving the hospital.
Friday June 12th, 2015
When there is a cancer diagnosis...
If your parent recently received a diagnosis of cancer, you both may be feeling stunned, anxious, and overwhelmed. Here are tips to help.
Lay a foundation for the journey to come.
Thursday June 4th, 2015
Living with uncertainty
If you are supporting a seriously ill family member, your relative's condition and needs could change at any time. Such uncertainty creates practical problems. (You may suddenly need to leave work to take him or her to the doctor.) It also comes with an emotional cost.
Doubts and the unpredictable can be hard to bear. You may put off decisions because you are not sure exactly how things will turn out. You may even find yourself wishing for something to happen right now, just to end the uncertainty.
Thursday May 21st, 2015
Dealing with denture care
Dentures need the same level of care and attention as natural teeth do. Bacteria and fungi that grow on teeth can also infect a dental appliance. Pressure spots on the gums can lead to pain and potential infection. Poor denture care can also result in stains and bad breath.
Encourage your family member to develop a solid routine.
Thursday May 14th, 2015
What is a care manager?
Conflicting demands on your heart, time, and energy can make it hard to care for an aging relative. If this sounds familiar, you could benefit from the services of a care manager.
A care manager provides relief. They work with you and your family member to develop a realistic care plan. The goal of the plan is to maximize your loved one's independence, safety, and quality of life. A solid care plan addresses family resources. This includes making sure you are not called upon to do more than you are able.
Thursday May 7th, 2015
Removing "junk stimulation"
If you were asked to name the stresses in your life, you might think first about all the tasks and responsibilities you are juggling. Or challenging relationships. Or financial difficulties.
Less obvious are the stressors in your environment that can tax your nervous system behind the scenes. "Junk stimulation," like junk mail, simply overwhelms the brain for no real purpose.
Clutter and noise are two stimulants that create unnecessary stress.
Thursday April 23rd, 2015
Does the advance directive need updating?
Once an advance directive for healthcare is complete, most of us want to set it aside as "DONE."
But circumstances, priorities, and preferences all change with time. Consider a review and an update with any of these life events:
Thursday April 16th, 2015
Removing "junk stimulation"
If you were asked to name the stresses in your life, you might think first about all the tasks and responsibilities you are juggling. Or challenging relationships. Or financial difficulties.
Less obvious are the stressors in your environment that can tax your nervous system behind the scenes. "Junk stimulation," like junk mail, simply overwhelms the brain for no real purpose.
Clutter and noise are two stimulants that create unnecessary stress.