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New Study Suggests Eating More Fiber From Whole Grains May Prolong Your Life

By Senior Editor, on February 15th, 2011

A new study conducted by scientists at the National Cancer Institute, has found that consuming more fiber from whole grains like oatmeal, cornmeal, and brown rice may significantly reduce the risk of death, overall as well as from cardiovascular, . . . → Read More: New Study Suggests Eating More Fiber From Whole Grains May Prolong Your Life

Nine Tax Questions For Family Caregivers: FAQs & Answers from the IRS

By Editor, on February 15th, 2011

Here are nine frequently asked tax questions for family caregivers, listed by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) on its website. Click on the links below to find the answers provided by the IRS for each question: 1. I . . . → Read More: Nine Tax Questions For Family Caregivers: FAQs & Answers from the IRS

Family Caregivers and Self-Employment Tax - Information from the IRS

By Page Editor, on February 15th, 2011

Here is a copy of information provided on the IRS.gov website on: Family Caregivers and Self-Employment Tax: “Special rules apply to workers who perform in-home services for elderly or disabled individuals (caregivers). Caregivers are typically employees of the individuals . . . → Read More: Family Caregivers and Self-Employment Tax – Information from the IRS

Eight Tax Tips for Caregivers

By Editor, on February 14th, 2011

Tax tips for Caregivers from a tax attorney, including brief tips on the following eight topics: Claiming a Dependent Dependent Care Credit Deduction Qualifying Criteria Multiple Support Agreement State Deductions and Credits Home Modifications Reimbursement Accounts In Home Assistance . . . → Read More: Eight Tax Tips for Caregivers

Tax Breaks for Family Caregivers

By Senior Editor, on February 13th, 2011

If you as a caregiver provide at least half of a care recipient’s financial support… If you are paying for some or all of a care recipient’s medical or dental expenses… you may be entitled to tax breaks. Read . . . → Read More: Tax Breaks for Family Caregivers

Search for Senior Housing & Care Facilities

By Editor, on February 12th, 2011

Search for Senior Housing & Care Facilities. U.S. News provides this search tool to find Nursing Homes, Assisted Living Facilities, Independent Living, Continuing Care Retirement Communities, Alzheimers Facilities, or other Retirement Living. You can create a personal senior housing . . . → Read More: Search for Senior Housing & Care Facilities

U.S. News Has Released 2011 Best Nursing Homes Rankings

By Editor, on February 12th, 2011

U.S. News Media Group has released its U.S. News Search Tool to search for a nursing home. You can search by State first, and then refine your search to include the overall star rating, whether the home accepts . . . → Read More: U.S. News Has Released 2011 Best Nursing Homes Rankings

Good news about broccoli in your diet and reducing the risk of cancer!

By Senior Editor, on February 11th, 2011

First the bad news. Researches found one would have to eat 2 lbs of broccoli a week to reduce the risk of cancer by 50%! In 1992, scientists from John Hopkins found a phyto-chemical in broccoli which reduces the . . . → Read More: Good news about broccoli in your diet and reducing the risk of cancer!

Calculate Your Body Mass Index (BMI)

By Editor, on February 8th, 2011

Use this Calculate Your BMI – Standard BMI . . . → Read More: Calculate Your Body Mass Index (BMI)

Four Things You Can Do to Prevent a Heart Attack

By Senior Editor, on February 8th, 2011

Watch Dr. Stephen Kopecky, a Mayo Clinic cardiologist, to learn four simple lifestyle changes you can make to reduce your chances of getting a heart attack by 40%. No treatment or other thing you could do will lower your . . . → Read More: Four Things You Can Do to Prevent a Heart Attack

New Dietary Guidelines for Americans Issued by USDA and HHS

By Editor, on February 7th, 2011

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Kathleen Sebelius announced the release of the new 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans on January 31, 2011. This is the 7th edition of the . . . → Read More: New Dietary Guidelines for Americans Issued by USDA and HHS

Preventing millions of cancers with simple life changes

By Senior Editor, on February 5th, 2011

The American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) and the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) estimates that about a third of all common cancers in the United States, China and Britain could be prevented each year if people ate healthier . . . → Read More: Preventing millions of cancers with simple life changes

A 15-Week Walking Plan (Weeks 1 through 5)

By Senior Editor, on February 3rd, 2011

Make a Walking Plan. See this series of Videos from the Cleveland Clinic, and learn the great health benefits of walking, how to do it properly, and how to keep motivated. Weeks 1 through 5 of the 15 week . . . → Read More: A 15-Week Walking Plan (Weeks 1 through 5)

Florida Federal Judge Declares Health Care Law Void in its Entirety; Conflicting Judicial Decisions Now Pending Appeal

By Editor, on February 3rd, 2011

On January 31, 2011, Judge Roger Vinson of the Federal District Court in Pensacola, Florida, issued a decision declaring the new federal Health Care Law void in its entirety, finding that the mandate for all Americans to purchase health . . . → Read More: Florida Federal Judge Declares Health Care Law Void in its Entirety – Conflicting Judicial Decisions Now Pending Appeal

CDC Reports Number of Americans with Diabetes Or Prediabetes Has Risen Dramatically; Losing Weight & Exercise Can Prevent or Delay the Disease

By Editor, on February 2nd, 2011

According to the National Diabetes Fact Sheet for 2011 newly released by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 26 million Americans (8.3% of all Americans or 11.3% of adults age 20 and older) now have . . . → Read More: CDC Reports Number of Americans with Diabetes Or Prediabetes Has Risen Dramatically; Losing Weight & Exercise Can Prevent or Delay the Disease

Healthy Dining Out Tips

By Senior Editor, on February 1st, 2011

Week 6 of the Walking For Life (15 Week Walking Plan) from the Cleveland Clinic. In this Video, Dr. Gordon Blackburn of the Cleveland Clinic gives tips about how to enjoy dining out and stay healthy – part of . . . → Read More: Healthy Dining Out Tips

Which Improves Memory? Aerobic or Toning and Stretching Exercises?

By Senior Editor, on January 31st, 2011

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh, University of Illinois, Rice University, and Ohio State University, funded through the National Institute on Aging, recruited a sedentary group of older adults without dementia for a study. One group walked around a . . . → Read More: Which Improves Memory? Aerobic or Toning and Stretching Exercises?

End-of-Life Care Expense

By Senior Editor, on January 30th, 2011

End-of-life health-care costs are for the most part underestimated–the biggest expense being in-home care. While not a pleasant topic to address, issues such as power of attorney, spelling out any wishes beyond what’s in the will, the fine print . . . → Read More: End-of-Life Care Expense

New Disability & Long-Term Care Insurance Benefit Under The New Health Care Law

By Editor, on January 29th, 2011

The new health care law established a new voluntary national insurance program that will provide cash benefits to participants who have a qualifying disability that limits their day-to-day living and who meet the other eligibility criteria. This new program . . . → Read More: New Disability & Long-Term Care Insurance Benefit Under The New Health Care Law

Do Not Overcook Cancer-Fighting Broccoli

By Senior Editor, on January 29th, 2011

Cooking broccoli two to three minutes can be a potent cancer fighting agent. Overcooking can destroy the vital enzymes, required for health benefits according to Elizabeth Jeffery, a professor of nutrition at the University of Illinois. Read more about . . . → Read More: Do Not Overcook Cancer-Fighting Broccoli

Traffic Noise May Lead To Higher Stroke Risk Among Seniors

By Editor, on January 28th, 2011

A new Danish study, published in the European Heart Journal has found a clear correlation between noise levels and stroke risk for seniors. The louder the noise, the higher the risk of stroke. In fact, the researchers reported that . . . → Read More: Traffic Noise May Lead To Higher Stroke Risk Among Seniors

Successful Tips With Difficult Aging Parents

By Senior Editor, on January 27th, 2011

Don’t dare call your mom because you know it will be an hour before you can get off the phone? Is your parent always critical of your help, or just a non-ending complainer? Do you feel you’re not up . . . → Read More: Successful Tips With Difficult Aging Parents

U.S. Falls Behind Other Developed Countries In Life Expectancy Gains

By Editor, on January 26th, 2011

A new study by a panel of the National Research Council of the National Academies has found that the rate of increase in life expectancy in the U.S. has fallen behind the rate of increase in life expectancy in . . . → Read More: U.S. Falls Behind Other Developed Countries In Life Expectancy Gains

Amazing Robots Replace Caregivers!

By Senior Editor, on January 24th, 2011

Not really, and not now! Where, for instance in a robot, amidst the sensors, algorithms and antennas, is love found? There are, however, a lot of helpful things caregivers could love about the next-generation robots capable of household chores . . . → Read More: Amazing Robots Replace Caregivers!

The Dangers of Trying to Live Forever

By Senior Editor, on January 21st, 2011

In her book, Selling the Fountain of Youth: How the Anti-Aging Industry Made a Disease Out of Getting Old-And Made Billions, author Arlene Weintraub exposes how the anti-aging industry made a disease out of getting old (and made billions!). . . . → Read More: The Dangers of Trying to Live Forever

FDA Advisory Committee Recommends Approval of a New Brain Scan Test to Detect Alzheimers

By Editor, on January 21st, 2011

On Thursday, January 20, 2011, an Advisory Committee to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) unanimously recommended FDA approval of a new brain dye product that would for the first time enable a brain scan to show whether . . . → Read More: FDA Advisory Committee Recommends Approval of a New Brain Scan Test to Detect Alzheimers

New Medicare Benefits in 2011 under the Health Reform Law

By Editor, on January 21st, 2011

Kathleen Sebelius, U.S. Secretary of Health & Human Services, has released a new Video explaining the new benefits that the Affordable Care Act (the Health Reform Law) provides in 2011 for people on . . . → Read More: New Medicare Benefits in 2011 under the Health Reform Law

German Study Finds 30% of Breast Cancer Cases May be Prevented by Avoiding Hormone Therapy and Exercising More

By Editor, on January 20th, 2011

German cancer research scientists have found that approximately 30 percent of postmenopausal breast cancer cases may be preventable if a woman avoids hormone replacement therapy and gets enough exercise. In Germany, 58,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each . . . → Read More: German Study Finds 30% of Breast Cancer Cases May be Prevented by Avoiding Hormone Therapy and Exercising More

Toll-Free Telephone Information Lines

By Senior Editor, on January 19th, 2011

From Area Agency on Aging, helpful Toll-Free information lines from A-Z. Aging, Allergy, Alternative Medicine, Alzheimer’s, Arthritis, etc. »Toll-Free Information Lines.

New report: 129 million Americans with a pre-existing condition could be denied coverage without the health reform law

By Editor, on January 18th, 2011

In a News Release, Tuesday, January 18, 2011, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services reported: Without Affordable Care Act protections, in 2014, 1 in 2 non-elderly Americans could be denied coverage or charged more due to a . . . → Read More: New report: 129 million Americans with a pre-existing condition could be denied coverage without the health reform law

Viral Happiness: How To Reach 7 Million People When You’re 90 Something!

By Senior Editor, on January 15th, 2011

Laughter can be contagious. Here’s a couple, Marlow & Frances Cowan, married 62 years, spreading a good kind of happy contagion at the Mayo Clinic. They say that “laughter, love and The Lord” have kept them young. This Video . . . → Read More: Viral Happiness: How To Reach 7 Million People When You’re 90 Something!

Large New Study Strengthens Evidence that Mediterranean Diet May Slow Cognitive Decline

By Editor, on January 14th, 2011

A new study has strengthened existing evidence that the Mediterranean diet — heavy on vegetables, fish and olive oil — may be associated with slower rates of mental decline in the elderly. The study, conducted by researchers at Rush . . . → Read More: Large New Study Strengthens Evidence that Mediterranean Diet May Slow Cognitive Decline

Sitting 4 Hours a Day In Front of a TV or Computer May Double Your Risk of Heart Attack

By Editor, on January 13th, 2011

A new British study, published in the Jan. 18 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, has found that sitting too long watching TV or in front of a computer screen may increase risk for heart . . . → Read More: Sitting 4 Hours a Day In Front of a TV or Computer May Double Your Risk of Heart Attack

Implementation Timeline for the Provisions of the Health Reform Law

By Editor, on January 12th, 2011

Kaiser Family Foundation provides a very helpful and easy to understand ”Implementation Timeline” — an interactive tool to explain how and when the provisions of the health reform law will be implemented over the next several years. You can show or hide . . . → Read More: Implementation Timeline for the Provisions of the Health Reform Law

A Helpful Guide Book to Home Caregiving by the American Medical Association

By Senior Editor, on January 12th, 2011

The American Medical Association Guide to Home Caregiving provides information on how to: Arrange a room to adapt to a loved one’s needs Give medications, monitor symptoms, deal with incontinence, provide emotional support, and relieve boredom Choose a home . . . → Read More: A Helpful Guide Book to Home Caregiving by the American Medical Association

Private Hospital ICU Rooms Found to Reduce Infection Rate Significantly

By Editor, on January 11th, 2011

Patients in Hospital Intensive Care Units (ICU) often acquire infections, imposing a heavy human and financial burden. A new study published January 10, 2011 in the Archives of Internal Medicine found and documented that private rooms in hospital intensive . . . → Read More: Private Hospital ICU Rooms Found to Reduce Infection Rate Significantly

Major Health Care Forum with Global Business and Government Leaders Taking Place in Miami Jan. 12-14, 2011

By Editor, on January 9th, 2011

Under the leadership of its President, former U.S. Secretary of Health & Human Services, Donna E. Shalala, the University of Miami will host a major Global Business Forum, entitled “The Business of Health Care: Defining the Future,” on January . . . → Read More: Major Health Care Forum with Global Business and Government Leaders Taking Place in Miami Jan. 12-14, 2011

Study Finds Family Caregivers Want Web-Based and Mobile Technologies to Help Care for Senior Loved Ones

By Senior Editor, on January 8th, 2011

Caregivers are beginning to recognize that technology can provide significant benefits both to themselves and their care recipient, helping them to be more effective as caregivers, saving time and money, and reducing stress. Health records, web-based care coordination programs, . . . → Read More: Study Finds Family Caregivers Want Web-Based and Mobile Technologies to Help Care for Senior Loved Ones

Study finds ability to ride a Bike better diagnostic test than others to distinguish standard Parkinson’s from atypical Parkinson’s

By Editor, on January 7th, 2011

A team of doctors from the Neatherlands has found that asking a Parkinson’s patient whether he or she is still able to ride a bike is a more valuable tool than many diagnostic tests to determine whether the patient . . . → Read More: Study finds ability to ride a Bike better diagnostic test than others to distinguish standard Parkinson’s from atypical Parkinson’s

Tooth Loss May Lead to Memory Loss

By Editor, on January 6th, 2011

According to a new study published in Behavioral and Brain Functions, seniors who lose their teeth may be at increased risk for dementia/ Alzheimer’s. The study, conducted in Japan, included more than 4,000 participants who were 65 and older. . . . → Read More: Tooth Loss May Lead to Memory Loss

Radiation Risks from CT Scans

By Senior Editor, on January 6th, 2011

Enlightening Video: Radiation exposure from CT Scans can vary up to six fold between different CT Scan providers. Up to now CT Scan radiation has not been regulated. Watch video . . . → Read More: Radiation Risks from CT Scans

Study Finds Protein Marker in Blood of Alzheimer’s Patients; May Lead to Future Ability to Diagnose Alzheimer’s by a Blood Test

By Editor, on January 6th, 2011

A study, funded by the U.S. National Institutes of Health and published in the Jan. 7 issue of Cell, found the presence of a protein antibody in the blood of Alzheimer’s patients that was not present to the same . . . → Read More: Study Finds Protein Marker in Blood of Alzheimer’s Patients; May Lead to Future Ability to Diagnose Alzheimer’s by a Blood Test

Making the Bathroom Safer for Your Elderly Parent

By Senior Editor, on January 5th, 2011

Watch this video for good tips on how to make the bathroom safer for your elderly parent or other elderly loved . . . → Read More: Making the Bathroom Safer for Your Elderly Parent

FDA warns Invacare Corp. about failing to address consumer complaints about electric beds

By Editor, on January 5th, 2011

Federal regulators have issued a warning to Invacare Corp., an Ohio manufacturer of electric beds, for failing to report and address consumer complaints about its electric beds — including allegations involving three deaths after fires or entrapment, as reported . . . → Read More: FDA warns Invacare Corp. about failing to address consumer complaints about electric beds

Study Finds Walking Speed Predicts Longevity in Seniors

By Editor, on January 5th, 2011

A study in the Journal of the American Medical Association JAMA has found that walking speed in people 65 and older correlates with expected longevity. The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh, was based on combined . . . → Read More: Study Finds Walking Speed Predicts Longevity in Seniors

Caregiver Story: It’s not easy to walk a mile in your elderly Mom’s shoes!

By Senior Editor, on January 4th, 2011

Dealing with bureaucracies in behalf of an aging parent can prove frustrating. Not only does it involve handling finances, but also role reversal. Lisa Black details her experiences in becoming the caregiver for her mother. See Lise’s Story in . . . → Read More: Caregiver Story: It’s not easy to walk a mile in your elderly Mom’s shoes!

Understanding Cholesterol Numbers

By Editor, on January 3rd, 2011

From AroundWellington.com, Health & Fitness, By Cheryl Alker This article provides a good basic introduction to cholesterol measurement numbers, and what they mean. The author, an accredited fitness trainer, recommends that cholesterol levels should be measured at least once every five . . . → Read More: Understanding Cholesterol Numbers

Caregiving Basics: A Document Organizer

By Senior Editor, on January 3rd, 2011

Can you put your hands on important documents you will need as a primary caregiver? Here’s a helpful to-do list to help you locate, create, or revise important papers. From the National Caregivers Library: . . . → Read More: Caregiving Basics: A Document Organizer

Elder Update

By Editor, on January 3rd, 2011

The Florida Department of Elder Affairs publishes a free bi-monthly newspaper for Florida seniors and caregivers, which is packed with news, tips for health and wellness, Medicare information, and coverage of other topics of interest to seniors, as well as topics . . . → Read More: Elder Update

Eat Healthy and Live Longer

By Editor, on January 3rd, 2011

Studies have shown a correlation between longevity and a healthy diet. See this new video, Eat Healthy and Live Longer, by HealthDay, featured on MedLine Plus, the website of the U.S. Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health & Human . . . → Read More: Eat Healthy and Live Longer

First Baby Boomers Hit 65: Looming Strains on Medicare Solvency

By Editor, on January 3rd, 2011

On New Year’s Day, the first baby boomers, those born in 1946, will celebrate their 65th Birthday. Beginning Jan. 1, 10,000 Baby Boomers a day will turn 65. That will continue for the next 19 years. “Baby Boomers” include . . . → Read More: First Baby Boomers Hit 65: Looming Strains on Medicare Solvency

Five smartphone apps for caregivers - MarketWatch

By Senior Editor, on January 2nd, 2011

Caregivers can keep track of medication dosages, nutritional requirements, and other daily health-care needs through a growing number of free or cheep smartphone apps. It’s a good idea to ask your doctor or health provider to help assess a . . . → Read More: Five smartphone apps for caregivers

Nine Key Provisions of the New Health Care Reform Law Take Effect January 1, 2011

By Editor, on January 2nd, 2011

Here is a list of the nine key provisions of the new national Health Care Reform Law that take effect on January 1, 2011: Restriction on Insurance Company Use of Premium Dollars. Health-insurance companies will now be required to . . . → Read More: Nine Key Provisions of the New Health Care Reform Law Take Effect January 1, 2011

Statistics on Family Caregivers and Family Caregiving

By Editor, on January 2nd, 2011

“More than 65 million people, 29% of the U.S. population, provide care for a chronically ill, disabled or aged family member or friend during any given year and spend an average of 20 hours per week providing care for . . . → Read More: Statistics on Family Caregivers and Family Caregiving

FDA Statements Indicate More Scrutiny & Recalls of Dietary Supplements - Some Have Ingredients with Potentially Lethal Risks

By Editor, on January 2nd, 2011

The FDA this year has issued several statements and recalls regarding dietary supplements discovered to contain undeclared drug ingredients. Studies have shown that some supplements may increase potentially lethal risks to patients and contain varying amounts of active compounds . . . → Read More: FDA Statements Indicate More Scrutiny & Recalls of Dietary Supplements – Some Have Ingredients with Potentially Lethal Risks

Caregiving and Dementia: New Ideas

By Senior Editor, on January 1st, 2011

There is no effective medical cure for Alzheimer’s. Most dementia caregiving is performed by families and nursing homes. 11 Million people care for Alzheimer’s-afflicted relatives at home. Dealing with the difficult behaviors that characterize Alzheimer’s and other dementias . . . → Read More: Caregiving and Dementia: New Ideas

The New Year Brings New Health-Care Benefits under Health Reform Law

By Editor, on January 1st, 2011

On Saturday, January 1, 2011 important new changes to U.S. health insurance rules will take effect under the new Health Reform Law – the Affordable Care Act. Among the new provisions taking effect today are: New rules designed to . . . → Read More: The New Year Brings New Health-Care Benefits under Health Reform Law

Wanted: A National Respite System - NYTimes.com

By Senior Editor, on December 31st, 2010

Over 28 million people in the United States provide care for someone age 75 or older. A 2009 study by the National Alliance for Caregiving/AARP found that 88% of family caregivers never get a break from this full-time job. . . . → Read More: Wanted: A National Respite System – NYTimes.com

Advice to caregivers: Reassure and don't argue

By Senior Editor, on December 30th, 2010

What if the Alzheimer’s patient says untrue and harmful things? What about correcting inconsequential things? Can a caregiver win an argument with an Alzheimer’s patient? Are there helpful ways to calm an Alzheimer’s patient? Read More in this Article . . . → Read More: Advice to caregivers: Reassure and don’t argue

Home Care Services

By Page Editor, on December 30th, 2010

From MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. A comprehensive source of information on home health care, and what it includes: Personal care: bathing, washing . . . → Read More: Home Care Services

It's Important to Plan

By Senior Editor, on December 29th, 2010

Guide from AARP helps caregivers gather critical information in advance “After she died, I went to her house and had to go through her papers to find important things like the title to her car, burial arrangements, house title,” . . . → Read More: It’s Important to Plan

Understanding Home Care Agency Options

By Page Editor, on December 29th, 2010

Here is an excellent introduction to the home care industry and the types of agencies, options and resources available. This 16 page booklet, part of the “Since You Care” series by MetLife in cooperation with the National Alliance for . . . → Read More: Understanding Home Care Agency Options

Training to Be a Family Caregiver

By Editor, on December 29th, 2010

This article, part of a WSJ.com series with tips on elder-care, cites a series of new studies and reports on the emotional, physical and financial challenges of caring for aged or disabled loved ones. It suggests that just as people train for marathons and other . . . → Read More: Training to Be a Family Caregiver

Growing Trend: Paying a Relative to Take Care of Mom

By Editor, on December 29th, 2010

Read more in WSJ.com about a growing trend for families to compensate adult children or relatives who serve as caregivers to elders. This trend may be fueled by a recognition of the financial sacrifices that family caregivers often make — frequently finding it . . . → Read More: Growing Trend: Paying a Relative to Take Care of Mom

A Happier New Year for The Alzheimer’s Community

By Editor, on December 29th, 2010

On December 8 and December 15, 2010, both Houses of Congress passed the National Alzheimer’s Project Act (NAPA); S. 3036, which is now pending the President’s signature, making this a more hopeful News Year for the 11 million Americans . . . → Read More: A Happier New Year for The Alzheimer’s Community

Home care services: Questions to ask

By Senior Editor, on December 28th, 2010

If you’re considering home care services, here are some questions to ask regarding Qualifications, Quality of care, Costs, Understanding services, and Monitor your home care services From the Mayo Clinic staff

Organize Documents

By Senior Editor, on December 28th, 2010

from AARP.org Does your mother have a will? Where is your father’s birth certificate? AARP.org offers a PDF download designed to help organize you and your parents now before a crisis happens. »See Organize Documents

‘Tis the Season to Celebrate the Joys of Caregiving

By Senior Editor, on December 27th, 2010

by Kathryn Haslanger, Senior VP for Community Benefit and External Affairs for VNSNY for The Huffington Post Amidst the difficulties of caregiving can be found a satisfaction of just one more of the things really worth doing. Some of the rewards . . . → Read More: ‘Tis the Season to Celebrate the Joys of Caregiving

How To Parent Your Parents

By Editor, on December 24th, 2010

By Carolyn Rosenblatt, Forbes.com Some basic but useful tips on how to parent your parents. Surprising opening: “Sometimes, we have to tell THEM what to do. It’s uncomfortable. The image we may have of our parents is that they . . . → Read More: How To Parent Your Parents

How To Reverse The Aging Process

By Senior Editor, on December 23rd, 2010

Carolyn Rosenblatt in her column on Aging Parents written for Forbes.com writes of the importance of exercise and its effects on the aging process. Also, strengthening our bodies is important to deal with the physical and emotional toll of . . . → Read More: How To Reverse The Aging Process

Caregivers Need the Gift of Respites

By Senior Editor, on December 22nd, 2010

by Rita Altman, R.N. National Director of Memory Care Services for Sunrise Senior Living for The Huffington Post At this time of year, family caregivers for seniors, especially those with Alzheimer’s disease, may not get the break that they . . . → Read More: Caregivers Need the Gift of Respites

Chicken Soup For The Caregiver's Soul

By Editor, on December 21st, 2010

By Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, and LeAnn Thieman L.P.N., with a Foreward by Rosalynn Carter. We recommend this book for needed, soothing inspiration for the caregiver. Uplifting stories to nourish your soul. This is an important part of . . . → Read More: Chicken Soup For The Caregiver’s Soul

Humor from the Elderly: A Reminder that Laughter is the Best Medicine

By Editor, on December 20th, 2010

This video comes from a website called CaregiverStress.com and is a 7 minute video of some humor from the . . . → Read More: Humor from the Elderly: A Reminder that Laughter is the Best Medicine

Working Caregivers Face Wellbeing Challenges

By Senior Editor, on December 15th, 2010

According to the recent findings of a large, ongoing Gallup Research Poll, in the U.S., working caregivers face significantly higher challenges to their wellbeing than workers who do not shoulder caregiving duties. Among other surprising findings, the study found . . . → Read More: Working Caregivers Face Wellbeing Challenges

Central Provision of Health Care Law Is Ruled Unconstitutional

By Editor, on December 14th, 2010

On Monday, December 13, Federal District Court Judge Henry E. Hudson of the Federal District Court in Richmond, Virginia ruled that the provision in the recently adopted health reform law requiring most Americans to obtain health insurance is unconstitutional. . . . → Read More: Central Provision of Health Care Law Is Ruled Unconstitutional

The 36-Hour Day: A Family Guide to Caring for Persons with Alzheimer Disease

By Editor, on December 14th, 2010

We recommend highly this classic book on caregiving for those with Alzheimer’s: The 36-hour Day, by Nancy L. Mace and Peter V. Rabins, completely revised and updated 2008 publication. This is the place to start if your loved one . . . → Read More: The 36-Hour Day: A Family Guide to Caring for Persons with Alzheimer Disease

Coping With Your Difficult Older Parent

By Editor, on December 13th, 2010

Many of you have recommended this book, Coping With Your Difficult Older Parent: A Guide for Stressed-Out Children, by Grace Lebow, Barbara Kane, and Irwin Lebow. This is the classic guide to dealing with difficult elderly behavior beyond the . . . → Read More: Coping With Your Difficult Older Parent

Silver Tsunami: Burdens Weigh Heavy on the Sandwich Generation

By Editor, on November 30th, 2010

Baby boomers increasingly find themselves in the sandwich generation — caring for elderly parents and for children at the same time. Some estimates conclude that about 20 million Boomers find themselves in this dual caregiving role. A study by the Pew Research . . . → Read More: Silver Tsunami: Burdens Weigh Heavy on the Sandwich Generation

More than 52 Million Americans & Over 22.4 Million U.S. Households are Caring for Elderly Loved Ones

By Editor, on November 30th, 2010

Statistics indicate that more than 52 million Americans and over 22.4 million U.S. households are now caring for elderly parents, spouses or other loved ones. These numbers are reported in the “FACT SHEET: Side-by-Side Comparison of Family Caregiver Prevalence . . . → Read More: More than 52 Million Americans & Over 22.4 Million U.S. Households are Caring for Elderly Loved Ones

“Who are the Caregivers?

By Senior Editor, on November 28th, 2010

FCA: Women and Caregiving: Facts and Figures, by Family Caregiver Alliance. Confirms that women are the major caregivers in the U.S. Cites findings that the value of the informal care that women provide ranges from $148 billion to $188 . . . → Read More: “Who are the Caregivers?

Blame the disease, not the person, when caregiving gets frustrating

By Senior Editor, on November 25th, 2010

By Angela Lunde, Mayo Clinic health education outreach coordinator Another perspective that can be helpful: i.e. separate the disease from the person and the person from the behaviors. Doing this helps you see that it’s the disease, not the . . . → Read More: Blame the disease, not the person, when caregiving gets frustrating

Senior Living Guide Search – for A Variety of Senior Services

By Editor, on November 18th, 2010

SENIOR SEARCH – A Search Tool for a variety of Senior Care Services, provided by SeniorLivingGuide.com, a website that provides a searchable directory of several different types of senior living facilities and other senior services. Allows you to search . . . → Read More: Senior Living Guide Search – for A Variety of Senior Services

Respite Care – Information from ElderCare Locator

By Editor, on November 16th, 2010

Information on Respite Care provided by ElderCare Locator, a service of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. All caregivers need a break. Respite care helps care for your elderly loved one while you take a break to . . . → Read More: Respite Care – Information from ElderCare Locator