What To Do When Seniors Refuse Help

How should caregivers respond when older adults won’t accept advice or assistance? Ask any caregiver about the most challenging aspects of assisting older adults, and you’ll likely hear examples of their frustration when help is offered but refused. There’s no doubt that many senior adults need varying levels of assistance with daily activities, says a recent study from the National …

Support and Recognition for Caregivers’ Contributions

Caregiver’s “Bill of Rights” stresses self-care and dignity The concept of a Caregiver Bill of Rights is not new. Its origins are sometimes disputed, but many agree that it arose more than 30 years ago after the publication of a book called CareGiving: Helping an Aging Loved One by Jo Horne (AARP Books, 2015). A landmark work that is still …

R-E-S-P-I-T-E! Spells Relief!

Caregivers Can Plan Ahead for the Holiday Season and Make Time for Themselves ISL Communities can help! With a record number of senior adults staying in their homes longer, frequently older American’s are relying on family and friends for their care. In fact, millions of families provide unpaid care for seniors 60 or older, spending on average 20+ hours a …

Do You Judge Yourself As a “Caregiver”

Coping strategies to help banish caregiver’s remorse and guilt  Being a caregiver to a senior family member is a valuable service and a great responsibility, performed out of love and devotion, and the task does have its rewards. Still, it is a hugely demanding job, often requiring round-the-clock responsibilities. The enormous challenges of caregiving can bring forth many conflicting and …

Should You Join a Caregiver Support Group?

How support groups can help caregivers, and what happens during group meetings  Are you a caregiver or do you know a caregiver who’s feeling stressed, overwhelmed, burned out, or depressed? Attending local caregiver support group meetings can be an effective way to reduce stress and boost spirits because participants can interact with others in similar situations, get useful advice, and …

HBO Documentary Tells Real-Life Stories About Five Alzheimer’s In-Home Caregivers

Caregivers, an inspiring HBO documentary about the lives of five family caregivers who are caring for spouses or parents with Alzheimer’s disease, is available to watch for free at HBO’s The Alzheimer’s Project website (http://www.hbo.com/alzheimers/caregivers.html). The film shows five men and women caregivers openly discussing the challenges of dealing with changes in their loved ones, their own health concerns, and their …

Nurses Are Key to Healthy Senior Living

Every year, National Nurses Week focuses attention on the diverse ways the over 3 million nurses in America work to save lives and to improve the health of millions of individuals. This year, the American Nurses Association (ANA) has selected “Culture of Safety ” as the theme for 2016. Annually, National Nurses Week begins May 6 and ends on May …

Seniors and Caregivers May Qualify for Tax Deductions for Assisted Living Costs, Medical Expenses, and Elder Care

More than 700,000 seniors live in thousands of assisted living facilities throughout the U.S., says a recent study from the Centers for Disease Control ad Prevention (CDC). And nearly 87 percent of residents pay for these facilities out of their own and their families’ financial resources. The good news is that seniors and caregivers may be eligible for tax deductions …

How to Help Seniors Prevent Falling

Older adults have an alarmingly high chance of falling inside and outside the home. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 out of 3 people age 65 and older falls each year. After age 80, that increases to a 1 in 2 chance. That means your senior adult has a 33 percent to 50 percent chance …

Caregivers: Tips for Less Stress Over the Holidays — and More Joy!

The holidays can be a stressful time of year in any household, especially if you’re a caregiver for an aging loved one. Changes in routine, raised expectations, busier schedules, and more frequent social interactions can quickly become overwhelming for loved ones and caregivers alike. These tips can help caregivers manage stress and anxiety for themselves and those they care for …