by Leah Weinberg When a family member is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia, the caretaker family members may think that a support group “isn’t for them”. They may want to deal with their feelings privately, and don’t yet understand the benefits of an Alzheimer’s support group and hearing other people’s stories who are in the Read More
The Many Benefits of Pet Companionship for Seniors
by Pam Ness An instant way to add some tender loving care into a senior’s life is exposure to a furry friend… or even a pal with wings or scales or fins! Studies on pets for seniors show that spending time with animals has both emotional and physical benefits. Interaction with a gentle and friendly Read More
The Four Key Elements to Positive Aging
by Linda Fodrini-Johnson, MA, MFT, CMC We all want to have the highest quality of life possible as we age. I am often asked what the keys to a positive aging experience are as we approach our “golden years”. The keys are relatively simple, but require consistent practice to make the lifestyle changes that will Read More
Knowing Someone with Alzheimer’s: How to help when you’re not a direct caregiver
Many of us know someone with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, but are not necessarily caregivers ourselves. It can be hard to know what to do or how to act. One of the most important things you can do is to listen. Caregivers, whether they admit it or not, are often quite stressed out by the Read More
Alcohol Abuse in the Elderly: Negative Impacts on the Body & Mind
Elderly alcohol abuse is a real issue. Many people’s attitude towards older folks with substance abuse issues is, “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” But that is simply not true! When helping an older adult change their drinking habits, persistence, patience and dedication are key. High amounts of alcohol are particularly harmful to Read More
Asking Thoughtful Questions and Listening
In our society, we often greet people with “Hi how are you?” to which we’re expected to reply, “I’m well, how are you?” and we can move on. But what if we are not doing well? What if we are having a bad day, is it so wrong to admit that? Being honest and confronting Read More