Brian Cares – A blog for family caregivers

Aspiration pneumonia is a serious risk for many older adults, but there are ways you can help prevent it as a family caregiver, from upright seating to distraction-free meals.

A loved one expressing their fear of living in a nursing home may pull on your heartstrings and draw upon your natural desire to promise them “never.” But who can predict the future? It’s wise to respond realistically while still honoring their concerns.

Parkinson’s disease can make communication difficult. A rigid face and monotone voice project nonverbal cues that may not line up with what the person with Parkinson’s is actually feeling. There are ways to offset these challenges and clarify emotional content and meaning.

What would happen if your loved one couldn’t speak for themselves? How would decisions for their care be made? An advance directive puts that guidance in place before a crisis. It’s simple to complete, doesn’t require an attorney, and ensures that treatment preferences are followed.

If a loved one with cognitive decline becomes more anxious or restless in the evening, it may be sundowning, a common pattern in dementia. Solutions include consistent routines, better lighting, and setting a calm tone for the latter half of the day.

After the death of a parent, holidays such as Father’s Day can feel very emotional and often stir up grief. Still, there are many ways to celebrate and honor the best of your dad, even if he is no longer with you.

Are you frustrated answering the same question over and over? You aren’t alone. Repetitive questions are a common and exasperating behavior in the early stage of dementia, but there are ways to help.

Financial abuse of older adults is more common—and closer to home—than many families realize. It doesn’t come only from scams; it often involves someone your loved one knows and trusts. Knowing the warning signs and staying involved can help you protect them.

Hearing loss is a common problem that comes with age. And it is often a frustrating experience for both the older adult and those around them. Luckily there are many ways to improve communication and understanding.

Bringing in outside help for an aging loved one can take a lot of weight off your shoulders as a family caregiver. Before the help begins, there are several things to consider and communicate clearly about, including safety, routines, and backup plans.