What we all need now is routine . . . routine

Most Americans are either ordered, or at least advised, to stay at home. This can become a daunting task. The first few days may have been filled with binge watching television and lots of sleep but now it is time to have a different response. The extra sleep is probably good since many medical professionals… Continue reading What we all need now is routine . . . routine

Coronavirus and Caregiving

The news about coronavirus (COVID-19) is scary. The disease is spreading across the country and it seems this spread will continue. At some point your community may become one with high risk and special precautions will be needed to stay healthy. The news coming from a senior living home in Washington State is obviously causing… Continue reading Coronavirus and Caregiving

Sail through your parent’s (or your) next medical procedure with PREhab

[Note: When first confronted with the term prehabilitation the first thought is that it is a typographical error. It is not; I do indeed mean prehabilitation. Its meaning, should you not be familiar with the term, will become clear in what follows.] Preparing for surgery should be like preparing for any physical challenge. If you… Continue reading Sail through your parent’s (or your) next medical procedure with PREhab

Ageism Hurts But You Can Fight Back

Anyone over a certain age has felt ageism. The young sales clerk who hardly says anything when you make a purchase. The condescension when you ask a question about something technical. The uncomfortable feeling when introducing yourself when you no longer have a work title. We have all felt it. Negative stereotypes and attitudes about… Continue reading Ageism Hurts But You Can Fight Back

I’m Over 80, So Can I Stop Exercising Now?

The benefits of exercise have no age limit. Some people might think that once a person reaches a certain age exercise might just be a waste of time. The goal isn’t to help your parent prepare for the next Senior Olympics. The goal is more practical. Improving and keeping strength and balance is one of… Continue reading I’m Over 80, So Can I Stop Exercising Now?

Living Alone in Old Age: Could Just Be Alone or It Could Be Lonely

More older adults are living longer and, in most cases, better than ever before. One result of this is that more older adults live alone. In fact more than a quarter of older people now live alone. Since women live longer than men this means older women are twice as likely to live alone than… Continue reading Living Alone in Old Age: Could Just Be Alone or It Could Be Lonely

Complex Surgeries Often Have Poor Outcomes for Older Patients

People are having more surgeries at older ages both in the hospital and in other settings. While this may be good news, it may not actually be what many older people would choose if they knew all the facts – but this is another subject. The point here is that surgeries are conducted too often… Continue reading Complex Surgeries Often Have Poor Outcomes for Older Patients

The CARE Act helps families

As a family caregiver you have probably learned that hospital stays have gotten very short. Often patients are discharged when they are still sick and still need care. Even when home health care is included in a discharge plan most of the care provided after hospitalization is provided by the older person themselves or by… Continue reading The CARE Act helps families