Blog

On April 2nd, as we celebrate National Caregiver Day, it's important to acknowledge the important work that caregivers do and how it impacts the lives of the people they care for.

Aging can sneak up on us. While in our minds we are still young and spry, our bodies sometimes tell us a different story. And after age 65, one of the most common signs of aging we notice is that we become a little less steady on our feet.

If your loved one has Alzheimer’s or dementia, visits can be a challenge. Will they remember who you are? Will they even know you were there? What if they’re combative?

As our parents age, we may start to notice changes in their ability to manage day-to-day activities like shopping, paying bills and preparing meals. Some changes are physical, some are cognitive. As these changes progress, we realize that some tough decisions need to be made regarding their care.

As our parents age, we may start noticing signs of cognitive decline. They can be subtle at first. Forgetting conversations or having trouble finding words, confusing the remote with the phone, difficulty tying shoes, and mood swings are just some of the early warning signs of dementia.

As parents age and start to rely increasingly on their children for their care, it is common for disagreements to arise among siblings on what is best for mom and dad. From simple daily chores to more complex financial decisions, arguments can arise on who does what and who has the final say.

Recognizing when your parents are at a point where they need help to stay safe and healthy can be overwhelming. Figuring out what they need, what options are available to help them, and having the talk with them about getting help can be difficult, especially if they are not ready to accept it.

This Christmas it’s more important than ever to celebrate the positive, especially with our senior parents and loved ones. While we gather together with family over the holidays, safely, let’s focus on celebrating the life and experiences our elders have had and the joys of the many Christmases past.