From the desk of Rosemary Laird, MD
Founder of Navigating Aging Needs
Shine Brightly, But Don't Flame Out!
As a caregiver, you need to be aware of the dangers and risks of your role, as taking on the additional burden and stress of caregiving can have tangible, negative health consequences. And if you aren’t healthy, you won’t be in a condition to help your loved one. Here is some important guidance on keeping healthy as a caregiver.
Your Greatest Hits!
Looking at the top 10 articles for 2002 — the “greatest hits” of the year — I can see some very positive patterns emerging among your interests. In turn, these patterns will help guide us in creating even more content in these areas in the future. Here are a few highlights from the most-viewed articles of 2022.
Back to the Basics!
I love the times of celebration, but I now find myself relishing the idea of life getting back to a somewhat normal schedule again as we head into the new year. It is a good time to focus on those fundamental areas where our loved ones might need some extra help.
You Year. New You!
It’s a tradition in the new year that many people make resolutions, but I’d like to recommend that you try something new this year: Try to start several “micro-habits.”
Let's Count Our Blessings!
Counting blessings may seem counterintuitive, given all you and your loved one have been going through this year and the uncertainty of the future. But surely, we are all blessed with this miracle of life, family, and community, which Alzheimer’s impacts, but cannot destroy.
Navigating Holiday Travel
In today’s America, with families spread out all over the country, holiday celebrations can be challenging as you and your loved one may have to travel to join the celebration. But with the right planning and precautions, you can navigate these journeys with a "happy holidays" outcome. Here are some steps to consider.
Take Care of Yourself!
The holiday season can be a heartwarming time of joy with the gathering of friends and family. But it’s not without its challenges: One guest is a vegan and so has dietary restrictions; another brings a toddler who wanders underfoot; another guest needs transportation to the airport. And so on. We adapt and accommodate these challenges because they are labors of love. Remember, however: While during this holiday season you will no doubt do much for others ― you absolutely need to do something for yourself, too!
Managing Difficult Behaviors
Some of the most difficult challenges in caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders include times when your loved one becomes irritable, agitated, disoriented, and/or angry, and exhibits behaviors that are difficult to deal with such as wandering, or its opposite, clinging. Here are some coping strategies.
Caring for the Caregiver!
For most caregivers, learning that a loved one has a progressive memory loss disorder such as Alzheimer’s is a sudden signal that their lives are about to change, with tremendous responsibilities and difficult decisions ahead. But it’s also a signal that you need to ensure that you take care of your own well-being, too, so that you’ll be able to give the best care possible to your loved one in the coming years.