Your Greatist Hits!
Here are the top articles that our collective community has been accessing most often through the year
Dear Caregivers,
Here at NAN, we strive to give you the trusted, customized information you need to meet your specific needs and those of your loved one. A big source of this information is your NAN Navigator, who is there to help answer your questions and outline specific courses of action as part of your personalized NAN Plan.
Remember too that there is also a digital library of all kinds of informative content on the www.NANforCaregivers.com website, which is available 24/7 to help you get informed and give you strategies for optimizing your situation. Here at the midpoint of the year are the top articles that our collective community has been accessing most often through the year -- these are your top ten “greatest hits”.
And, if you can’t find the information you need on our website, we want to know that! You can always “Ask NAN” by clicking on this link: https://nanforcaregivers.com/submit-a-question-to-ask-nan
Exclusively for You!
Also, as part of the NAN community, you have access to private access to unique content to improve your caregiving skills and have a little fun. Caregiving Essentials is an on-demand, educational video series that explores critical aspects of caregiving, including Self-Managing Stress and Anxiety and How to Better Communicate with Your Loved One. Our NAN Fun series offers videos that help you explore the world and take a healthy diversion from your daily chores, including a virtual video tour of the great churches of Florence, Italy.
Caregiver’s Plan B
No family caregiver wants to think they wouldn't be able to help their loved one, but the chance that something could happen to you that would make it impossible for you to provide the care support you do now makes it critical you identify an individual who is the best “Plan B” caregiver, able to quickly take over as advocate and guardian for your Loved One in the event that is needed. Read the article.
Activities for a Good Day:
Try these activities to keep your loved one occupied and engaged during the day. Read the article.
Nine Simple Habits That Can Boost Your Brain Power:
Research suggests that there are things that you and your loved one can do to boost your brainpower. This includes regular exercise, social interaction, and a healthy diet. Read the article.
Understanding the Emotional Changes of Alzheimer’s Disease:
The challenge that family caregivers face is to learn acceptance, to live in the present moment, and to let go of things you cannot control. This is a challenge to be sure, but if there can be any joy in caregiving, this is where it is. Read the article.
The Basics of Advance Directives:
In situations where your loved one cannot speak for themselves, medical personnel will turn to the next of kin to get help in making important health decisions. It is important to have your loved one’s wishes of how to respond in a serious medical situation be known in advance, through several documents such as an Advanced Directive and Living Will. Read the article.
Exercise Your Brain with Games:
Games work to stave off dementia, strengthen critical thinking skills, and promote brain health. What kind of game works best? Read the article.
Understanding Dementia:
The normal process of the aging mind is very different from the group of illnesses called dementia, a group of brain diseases in which brain function is significantly declined. Read the article.
Paying for Care for Elderly Loved Ones:
Here’s an overview of the basic categories of care most often needed by elders and payment options available, including what Social Security and Medicare covers for elderly care — and what it doesn’t cover. Read the article.
Security for Your Loved One... and YOU!
A critical part of your loved one's health and safety is wearing a wristband with important medical information that can alert others in the event that you are not there. Read the article.
Ten Tips for Better Communication with a Person with Dementia:
With Alzheimer’s disease, your loved one’s ability to understand, process, and communicate information will change. Here are some strategies and skills you can use to reduce communication challenges that could frustrate both of you. Read the article.
Best,
Rosemary D Laird, MD, MHSA
Founder and Chief Medical Officer
“The only thing that you absolutely have to know is the location of the library.”
— Albert Einstein
