Ask NAN blog
Teachings and tips for family caregivers navigating the needs of their aging loved one.
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Pack the Protein
As we age, the adage ‘you are what you eat’ becomes more and more important. Here are some tried and true strategies to add protein to your day.
Common Caregiving Challenges in Alzheimer’s & Dementia
The symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease affect both the patient and those who interact with them -- especially caregivers. As Alzheimer’s alters the ability of the patient to think and function, those changes can impact others. Listed below are some common challenges you may face and the strategies we’ve found that can help.
The Apathy Syndrome
Nearly 40 to 50% of patients with dementia develop apathy in the early and intermediate stages of their disease. Here are the key symptoms to look for in your loved one.
Keep a Daily Journal
Journaling has shown to provide relief from grief and anger, reduce depression, improve self-care, and enhance relationships when used with adults in mental healthcare settings. Here’s how to encourage your loved one to start.
Write the Story of You!
Documenting your life story to share with your family and friends can be a great way to preserve precious memories, help family members to connect, and provide insight into family stories and culture.
Caring from Afar: Tips for Long-Distance Family Caregivers
If you are one of the seven million caregivers who live more than an hour from the person in your care, you are very prone to additional stress and anxiety. Here are some tips to get the best outcome for you and your loved one.
My Loved One keeps repeating the same questions over and over. How should I deal with that?
It is very common for individuals who have problems with their memory to become confused and engage in asking repetitive questions over and over to the point of being irritating to family and friends. Here are some coping suggestions…
Tips For Preventing Falls
Many falls can be prevented. By making some changes, you can lower your chances of falling. Here are some tips from the Centers of Disease Control on how to prevent falls.
Strategies for Success: Memory Tips
Here are some strategies to help improve your loved one’s memory.
Depression and Alzheimer’s Disease
Forty percent of people with Alzheimer’s Disease also suffer from significant depression, threatening the quality of life for both patients and their caregivers. Here is how to get help and plan strategies to face this additional challenge.
Caregiver Tips
New to caregiving? Here are some basic caregiving tips in 6 essential categories.
Stay Sharp!
We all know there are changes to every part of the body as we age, including the brain. Here are some key lifestyle habits and activities you do to keep your brain healthy as you age.
How to Practice Daily Meditation
Over the last 20 years, extensive research, at Harvard and other prestigious universities, has shown that only 20 minutes of daily meditation has dramatic effects on physical health.
3 Tips for Caring for Loved Ones in Assisted Living Facilities During the Coronavirus Pandemic
This pandemic is requiring all of us to find a “new normal” way to do everything. Your loved one living in an Assisted Living Facility is facing that reality in a dramatic way. Mealtime is different, the activities are limited, and visitors are not allowed. It is vital to their well being and yours that you carefully adjust to this new reality to ensure your loved one still feels comfortable and cared for. Here are 3 ways to help you on your way:
Does dementia put a person at greater risk for coronavirus?
Nearly 6 million people in the U.S. are living with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia (ADRD). While there is no indication those with ADRD are at increased risk from coronavirus, many are 60 or older, which is a group at high risk of complications and death from coronavirus infection. In addition, ADRD illnesses can make it more difficult for afflicted individuals to take precautions to protect themselves from the coronavirus or to seek help if they become ill.
If you know someone with ADRD please keep these special precautions in mind…
Seven Ways to Stay in Touch with Your Loved One During the Coronavirus Pandemic
Senior facilities may restrict or forbid visitors during the coronavirus pandemic to protect their residents from people who may carry the virus. Here are seven steps you can take if your loved one’s facility restricts or forbids visitors.
FAQs about Coronavirus
Novel coronavirus is the virus that causes the coronavirus disease 2019, also known as COVID-19. This infection is sickening people around the world. Novel coronavirus creates a range of symptoms that are typical of infection such as fever and muscle aches. It often includes upper respiratory symptoms such as runny nose and sore throat as well as breathing problems. In some cases it includes gastrointestinal symptoms or loss of smell and taste.
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