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

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?

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

Surgery’s Seldom Disclosed Risk

When surgery is recommended for your parent you know there are risks. But even though you make every effort to evaluate all the pluses and minuses, there is one very important threat your surgeon may not have told you about. That is the risk of some degree of decline in mental functioning as a result… Continue reading Surgery’s Seldom Disclosed Risk