Important Alzheimer’s and Dementia Updates According to the Alzheimer Society 2017 – 2018 Impact Report, more than 500,000 Canadians are living with dementia. That number is expected to increase by 66% by 2031, to over 937,000 Canadians. Because of this expected growth, it is important for people to know the most up-to-date information and prevalent risk factors.   If you are one of the 1 in 5 Canadians who have experienced providing care for a senior with Alzheimer’s or dementia, you’re undoubtably aware of the investment in time…

Caring for elders can overwhelm us Nicole Johnson, a memory therapy coach, works with a patient at Amy’s Helping Hands   For caregivers, worrying about an aging relative is stressful enough. Taking care of two loved ones kicks up that stress level rise significantly. This is the daily reality for Denise and her sister who are responsible for the care of two aging relatives. For them, caregiving took a difficult turn when both relatives needed additional help over a few days. With one having hip surgery and the other being transferred…

The Number One Fear of a Family Caregiver: What if I Make a Mistake? “Of course Mom can move in with me!”  Family caregivers are making this noble decision each and every day, signifying the beginning of lifestyle changes they can only truly comprehend once immersed in them. And while the rewards of providing care for an older loved one are immeasurable, they’re not without a variety of challenges as well. It may seem second-nature to manage everyday tasks for a senior loved one; yet it’s not as intuitive as it appears at first glance. For instance, a family…

Create Your All-Star Care Team in 5 Steps What family caregivers often need most is sound advice, regular respite and an extra set of hands. Friends may scatter when one becomes the primary caregiver for a spouse or parent, and not everyone has siblings or other family members they can depend on to share the load. A carefully selected care team is a necessary complement to a loved one’s detailed care plan. Step 1: Draft a list of prospective team members Write down the name of each family member, friend or neighbor with whom you regularly…

Creating a Legacy for Your Parent A common regret of adult children who have lost their parents is the wish that they had asked and understood more about their own family history. This is particularly true for family caregivers, whose focus on the present is necessitated by the practical concerns of getting through the day. Making time to learn more about the past seems like a luxury for many caregivers. But taking that time may be beneficial to those we love and care for and provide an important opportunity to redefine and enhance…

Related Paranoia in Seniors: How to Understand and Respond “I’m telling you, there’s a dog inside my closet! I hear it growling the whole night long. We’ve got to find its owner!” Listening to a senior family member express anxiety such as this that you know to be untrue is unsettling – however, not unusual. Your first impulse may well be to try to rationalize with the individual with a reply such as, “Nonsense! There’s not a chance a dog could possibly have gotten into your closet!” However, for several different reasons, this could be…

Activities for Seniors To Find Meaning and Purpose in Everyday Life Think of a regular day in the life of a senior loved one. Hopefully it provides a couple of uplifting and enriching experiences: enjoying breakfast, engaging in a pleasant activity or interest, visiting with a friend or relative, watching a popular TV show. Nevertheless there is a difference between positivity and purpose.  The need for a life rich with meaning and purpose is becoming more apparent, especially in the life of senior loved ones. Viktor Frankl, world-renowned psychiatrist and survivor…