Ask NAN blog
Teachings and tips for family caregivers navigating the needs of their aging loved one.
Have a question that’s not answered? Submit your question for us to consider including in the Ask NAN blog.
¿Deberíamos probar los medicamentos para la enfermedad de Alzheimer?
Con cualquier medicamento nuevo, es fundamental pensar en los beneficios potenciales, así como en los posibles efectos secundarios. Dado que actualmente no existe ningún fármaco que cure la enfermedad, lo último que queremos hacer es reducir la calidad de vida del paciente con efectos secundarios.
Protecting Yourself and Your Loved One Against Fraud and Scams
It’s a sad reality that we all must be on guard every day to protect ourselves from fraud and scams. Frauds and scams come in a wide variety of flavors and trends, and can be very creative in how they draw us in. In most cases these scams prey on our fears and try to prompt us to pay out of fear. Here’s how to protect yourself.
Common Frauds and Scams
Here is a list of common ruses that attempt to cheat you out of private information and financial assets.
How to Help Your Loved One Cope with the Loss of a Pet
How you help your loved one cope with the death of a pet will vary depending upon their stage of memory loss and their ability to understand what has occurred. Keep in mind their illness may impact the way they express emotions or want to be comforted. Here are some tips to consider.
A Guide to Touring and Choosing an Assisted Living Facility
When choosing an assisted living facility, research and guidance from a placement advisor are valuable, but it’s still important to take a tour in person. This allows you to see things firsthand and begin to make connections to the facility staff who will be caring for your loved one. Here’s a guide.
Common Challenges in Eating and Appetite and How to Address Them
Here are a nutritionist’s favorite tips that caregivers can use to manage the common challenges in their loved one’s appetite and eating habits.
The Impact of Alzheimer’s Disease on Appetite, Taste and Eating Habits
Alzheimer's disease can impact various aspects of a person's health, including changes in appetite and taste. Here’s an overview of what to expect.
Supporting a Loved One with a Diagnosis of Early-Stage Alzheimer’s Disease
Getting a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease can be a shock, both for the patient and for their caregiver. Respond by taking time to build a foundation of support for your loved one and yourself that will help you during the coming months and years, no matter where this difficult illness leads.
¡Cuido Personal Acciones QUE PUEDES TOMAR!
Una parte esencial de ser cuidador es cuidar de uno mismo. Tienes que sacar tiempo para cuidar de ti mismo, sin importar cuánto o poco tiempo tengas. Aquí hay algunas ideas.
Some Self-Care Actions YOU CAN DO Right Now!
An essential part of being a caregiver is caring for yourself. You have to make time to tend to yourself, no matter how much or little time you may have. Here are some ideas.
Diez Consejos Para una Mejor Comunicación con una Persona con Demencia
Con la enfermedad de Alzheimer, la capacidad de su ser querido para comprender, procesar y comunicar información cambiará. A continuación se presentan algunas estrategias y habilidades que puede utilizar para reducir los desafíos de comunicación que podrían frustrarlos a ambos.
Setting Boundaries as a Caregiver
As a caregiver, it is essential that you remain committed to your personal boundaries, making sure that you give yourself time and space to address your personal needs for rest, relaxation, and fulfillment. This foundation for positive self-care is vital in improving your well-being. Here’s how to do it.
The Importance of Tears
As caregivers, it is especially important not to suppress our feelings. The caregiving journey can be filled with sadness, frustration, and grief. Shedding tears is a natural and healthy response to those emotions. Tears benefit people in numerous ways, including helping to detoxify the body. Find out more about the importance of tears.
The Importance of Water
Lack of water, called dehydration, can be quite dangerous and can lead to decrease blood volume, which lowers the amount of blood sent to the major organs of the body, especially the kidneys. Therefor it is especially important for an older adult to keep up his or her fluid intake. Here’s how to do it.
Residential Care Options for Your Loved One
If your loved one is at a point in their disease’s progression that they can no longer live on their own, you need to choose a facility to provide what is called “residential” care. There are several types of such facilities, and knowing the options for each kind of facility will help as you consider your loved one’s needs. Here’s an overview.
How to Deal With Alcohol Issues
For a caregiver, coping with a loved one who has been a heavy drinker all of their life is a challenge, including the loved one’s hampered cognition, heightened emotions, and physical impairment. Caregivers need to deal with the issue on many fronts. Here’s how.
Making Brain Games Your New Hobby
To find a way to keep your loved one’s brain active and healthy, start by thinking about the types of activities or hobbies your loved one likes best. No matter what activity it is, pursuing hobbies regularly will keep their mind and body active, and in some cases allow them to engage more deeply in social activities.
Getting to Know Your Caregiving “Village”
Identifying and engaging with a medical team that you can count on can make a big difference for you and your loved one. Here is an overview of the types of healthcare professionals you may want to seek out as part of your “caregiving village”.
Testing for Alzheimer’s Genes
There is scientific evidence that in some cases, genes can play a role in the development of Alzheimer’s disease. The most common gene that increases the risk of Alzheimer’s is known as “APOE”. Here’s a list of commercial companies that test for the presence of the gene.
How to Help Your Loved One Enjoy the Holiday Season
The typical chaos, excitement, and joy of the holiday season can be overwhelming for someone with Alzheimer’s disease. But with a little planning ahead, you can make holiday gatherings more enjoyable and less stressful for all involved.
Start your journey with NAN
Schedule a consultation to discuss the needs of your aging loved one.