From the desk of Rosemary Laird, MD
Founder of Navigating Aging Needs (NAN), LLC
No Time Like the Present
No matter where your loved one is in their journey, there are opportunities to plan ahead and reduce future stress. While no plan can remove the challenges these illnesses bring, thoughtful preparation can make the road ahead a little easier.
Keeping an Open "Beginner's Mind"
Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by changes and unpredictability, and so thinking you “already know everything” about something might lead to bouts of frustration. Keeping an open mind can help you keep your balance.
Want To Have a Better Day? Plan It!
Time can be your enemy--or your best friend. For a caregiver of a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s, finding enough time, making sure that things get done on time, and managing time can all be a challenge. But if it’s done right, planning and scheduling time can be one of the most powerful tools in your caregiver kit.
The Quick Take on Quick Fixes
It seems like in our modern age many people are yearning for a “quick fix.” There are same-day delivery of goods, instant access to media via the internet, and a host of health products that promise a transformation of body and mind without much effort.
It's Getting Hot Out There
“It’s not the heat, it’s the humidity,” as the old saying goes. But this summer threatens to add a blistering exclamation point to the phrase.
A recent, peer-reviewed study from the University of Florida finds that our state stands out as one of the country's the most vulnerable for long, intense heat waves this summer. The study suggests that we’re in for a potentially record-setting summer of heat stress in 2026.
Get Ready for Hurricane Season!
We’re only weeks away from the official kickoff of hurricane season here in Florida, which runs from June 1st through November 30th. This year there is a forecast for an El Nino weather system, which typically means a reduced risk of our state having major storms.
Still, that doesn’t mean that you and your loved one shouldn’t get ready. As the Essential Guide to Hurricane Preparedness from StateofFlorida.com puts it, “knowing the essentials of how to prepare could truly be a life saver.”
Home Is Where the Tech Is
Home is where the heart is—and, likely, where your loved one would like to live out their remaining years. And technology is here to help.
Do You Believe In Magic?
Like any caregiver of a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s, these professionals know that the most important thing is to show up, every day, and do what you can. You are going to have good days and bad days, and sometimes the ball just isn’t going to bounce your way.
MIND Your Diet and Protect Your Brain
Eating a diet rich in vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains—the so-called MIND diet—has long been associated with reduced mental decline.
Take Care!
It’s no secret that caregiving for a loved one suffering from Alzheimer's is a hard, sometimes debilitating task. What’s more, study after study has confirmed that caregivers can suffer from high levels of stress, depression, and anxiety, which can lead to diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and cognitive decline.
The Many Faces of Happiness
For a caregiver of a loved one affected by Alzheimer's, the entire idea of happiness is complex. There is the "feeling good” sense of the word, such as when you are taking a warm bath or eating a yummy treat. For a caregiver those moments of happiness can be harder to come by. On the other hand, there is the "well-being" sense of happiness that is tied more to one’s sense of purpose and having a life worth living. This is the kind of happiness I wish for you and all family caregivers.
Keeping Your Balance
For a caregiver of a loved one suffering from Alzheimer's, you are continually challenged to find the balance between sadness and joy, between being present and long-term planning, and between caring for your loved one and caring for yourself. That’s not always easy, but your NAN navigator is here to help you maintain your equilibrium.
Resilience in Pink
Certainly, as a caregiver of a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s, you know about setbacks and tough spots that sometimes feel like they will never end. But you also know how things can bounce back and give you bursts of joy that remind you what your caregiving is all about.
Spring Forward
The change in time can be even more challenging for your loved one suffering from Alzheimer's. They may not understand that a time change has occurred, and thus efforts to keep to their regular schedule, which is so important in your caregiving efforts, gets thrown off course.
Coping with Agitation
Alzheimer’s is a complicated disease. The symptoms we see in our loved ones reflect damage to different parts of their brain, including areas other than those involved with memory and thinking clearly. For example, areas that can also be compromised include those that control emotion, and those that are responsible for creating a person’s personality. This damage can result in unusual and unexplained feelings of fear and irritation in your loved one.
Brain Games
Examining the lives of nearly 2,000 people over decades, researchers from the Rush University Medical Center in Chicago found that people who engaged in regular, brain-enriching activities throughout their lives demonstrated less risk of cognitive impairment such as Alzheimer’s and dementia as they aged.
Redefining Alzheimer’s
As your NAN Navigator works with you every day to help manage your loved one’s disease, know that they are backed by a legion of scientists working to redefine Alzheimer's, and your efforts are critical to this ongoing effort.
Beyond Winning
As a caregiver of a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s, all you can do is try your best, day in and day out. Like an Olympian, you do it for the “doing,” not for a medal or trophy. Knowing that you are there for your loved one, helping them out, is reward enough.
Get Cozy!
When cold weather strikes, the first thing you need to pay attention to is your physical health: Make sure you and your loved one have warm clothes, adequate heating, and foot protection against icy walkways.
But there is another aspect of dealing with the cold that is just as important, and that is keeping your mental health strong. And for that, I recommend that we all follow the lead of Scandinavians: After all, the people of Norway, Denmark, and Sweden know something about cold weather!
The Power of Resilience
As strong as you caregivers are, it is still essential to pause now and then, to check in with yourself and make sure your mind, body, and spirit are getting what you need to continue. That’s why we here at NAN share tools, guidance, and support to help you pause, take stock, and strengthen yourself for the road ahead. Resilience is a skill that is best learned and sustained with others, and it’s important to remember that we are part of your team.