26. Calming Caregiver Worries: Creating Your Effective Family Emergency Plan
“Every worry needs a plan. We can name our worry around “Who’s my backup?, or “What do I do in case of an emergency?”, and then we can really start thinking through “What’s our plan for this?”” — Denise Brown, Founder, Caring Our Way Community When you’re caring for a family member with Alzheimer’s or […]
25. Supporting Your Parent as They Begin Their Caregiving Journey
When a parent is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia and the other parent begins their caregiving journey, the dynamic between the caregiving parent and child shifts dramatically. Through our experiences and conversations with families navigating this transition, we’ve developed six helpful tips to help you support your parent as they take on […]
24. Valuable Updates on Oral Care for People with Dementia
“I discovered a growth on his gum that was only slightly smaller than a marble. That’s when I realized dental care involves much more than just brushing teeth.” As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, we’re continuously learning and adapting our care approaches. Through recent experiences, we’ve discovered important […]
23. Dementia’s Challenging Moments: A Caregiver’s Guide to Delusions and Hallucinations
When your loved one experiences delusions or hallucinations for the first time, it can be frightening and overwhelming for everyone involved. As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia who have navigated these challenging moments, we’ve learned preparation and understanding make all the difference. Before we share our tips, we’re […]
22. Creating Engaging Activities for People Living with Dementia
Instead of trying to reclaim what dementia takes away, embrace the present — what your care receiver has access to now. As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, we often struggle with adapting activities to their changing abilities. Through our experiences, and what we’ve learned from others on their […]
21. Beyond Bath Sets: Your Guide to Purposeful Caregiver Gifts
“If you give me a spa certificate but no gift of time to go with it, I’ll probably never use it.” As friends and family of Alzheimer’s and other dementia family caregivers, we want to give meaningful gifts that will actually be used and appreciated! Through our experiences and what we’ve learned from others on […]
20. Medication Management Matters: Your Key Role in Dementia Care
“I wish I’d started monitoring my husband’s medication sooner.” As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, we’ve learned that medication management becomes increasingly challenging. Through our experiences, and what we’ve learned from support groups and others on their journeys, we’ve developed four important tips to help you support your […]
19. Should We Stay or Should We Go? Making Travel Decisions in Dementia Care
“We’ve both had ‘that’ trip — the last trip that you take when you decide we’re not traveling ever again with our care receiver. Or, as we like to say, it’s the trip after the last trip you should have taken!”
We are Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster. As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, we’ve learned travel decisions require careful consideration. Through our experiences, and what we’ve learned from support groups and others on their journeys, we’ve developed four important tips to help you decide whether you and your care receiver should stay home or go on what could be ‘that’ trip.
18. When Your Loved One with Dementia is Missing: Essential Search and Rescue Guidelines
The moment you realize your loved one with dementia is missing, every second feels critical. While the natural instinct is to immediately begin searching, having a clear action plan can make the difference in finding them quickly and safely. Through insights from John Clark, a specialized dementia search and rescue expert in Georgia, we’ve compiled […]
17. Holiday Harmony: Balancing Traditions with Dementia Care
The secret to successful holiday celebrations with our dementia care receivers isn’t perfect decorations or parties — it’s having a peaceful retreat space ready for them when needed. As caregivers navigating the holiday season with loved ones who have Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, we’ve learned intentional planning makes all the difference. The holiday season brings additional activities, decorations, and visitors that can disrupt the routines so vital to our care receivers’ well-being. Success requires careful observation, thoughtful preparation, and gradual adaptation of celebrations. Through our experiences, what we’ve learned from support groups, and from others on their journeys, we’ve developed five essential tips to help create positive holiday experiences while maintaining the calm and familiar environment your care receiver needs.
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