Family Caregiver Blog

Are you frustrated answering the same question over and over? You aren’t alone. Repetitive questions are a common and exasperating behavior in the early stage of dementia, but there are ways to help.

Financial abuse of older adults is more common—and closer to home—than many families realize. It doesn’t come only from scams; it often involves someone your loved one knows and trusts. Knowing the warning signs and staying involved can help you protect them.

Hearing loss is a common problem that comes with age. And it is often a frustrating experience for both the older adult and those around them. Luckily there are many ways to improve communication and understanding.

Bringing in outside help for an aging loved one can take a lot of weight off your shoulders as a family caregiver. Before the help begins, there are several things to consider and communicate clearly about, including safety, routines, and backup plans.

If the person you care for is struggling with seemingly simple tasks such as eating, dressing, or getting up or down from a chair, an occupational therapist may be able to help. They can recommend changes to help your loved one remain independent and do the things they enjoy.

Caring for someone with dementia can make mealtimes challenging. Small changes, such as reducing noise and simplifying the table, can help make eating easier and less stressful.

It can be tough for older adults to hand over control of their finances to family members. At the same time, they might also need some extra help staying on top of monthly payments. Luckily, there are techniques and tools you can use to keep things running smoothly.

As common as it is to be stressed while caring for an aging loved one, the potential for “vital exhaustion”—burnout—should be taken seriously. Doing your best to avoid it is important for yourself and for those who rely on you.

It might be uncomfortable to talk to your loved one about their preferences for life-sustaining treatment. No one likes to think about worst-case scenarios. But it’s very important that their desires be understood and documented should they ever be unable to speak for themselves.