Diagnosing Dementia too early can be dangerous. For over a century, dementia could only be diagnosed after autopsy. This left millions of people with dementia and their families confused and uncertain as to what was going on. Today, thanks to the advancements in research, people can receive a nearly[...]
It Pays to Go to School A couple of childhood sweethearts, who were married and lived in the same neighborhood they were raised in, celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary by visiting their old high school. They held hands as they found the desk they’d shared—the one on which he had carved “I [...]
The U.S. recognizes family caregivers in November. Initiated by the Caregiver Action Network* (formerly the National Family Caregivers Association), the U.S. recognizes family caregivers through awareness campaigns, public service announcements, and more this month. The Caregivers Voice shares the A[...]
Sometimes, a little levity helps as we honor those who have served in our Armed Forces during Veterans Day and on all days. With that, The Caregiver’s Voice shares a bit o’ humor with this “Farm Kid’s Letter.” Dear Ma and Pa, I am well. Hope you are. Tell Brother[...]
In the event I die before my mother with Alzheimer’s, what are some options for her care? Alzheimer’s Caregiver ASKS The Caregiver’s Voice… I am the sole family caregiver for my 94-year old mother who lives at home with mid-stage Alzheimer’s disease. Except for Alzheimer’s, m[...]
Can there be Death with Dignity for People Living with end-stage Dementia? Thirty-six million people diagnosed with dementia (mostly Alzheimer’s) worldwide face limited options for a dignified death. If you had the choice to live until the last possible moment, what would that moment look like[...]
The Angels that Come when Most Needed Guest article by Judy Fox I have grown to be a caregiver during the last four-plus years. It began while I was visiting my mom for ten days. She was getting weaker and weaker. I took her to the hospital. She had a restricted aortic valve. Before this, she was li[...]
Applying for Disability Benefits for Someone with Dementia Guest article by Ram Meyyappan The recent 60 Minutes exposé on Social Security Disability (SSD) has many nervous about the idea of filing a new application for benefits. The report of the number of fraudulent claims filed in recent years may[...]
With an estimated 100 billion brain cells, are our brains like a giant filing cabinet? If so, what are the similarities between how we file information in our brains vs. in a file drawer or on our computers? As researchers study the different causes of dementia, we are learning more about how our br[...]
If necessity is the mother of invention, Maura Horton is the mother of Magna Ready stress-free dress shirts necessary for people with Parkinson’s and other illnesses that make it hard to button a shirt. Horton, a former children’s clothing designer, stepped onto the clothing design field again[...]
Is there a risk in using antipsychotic medications for people with dementia? Guest post by Laura Woods Caring for an elderly person with dementia can be challenging to even the most patient caregiver. In addition to memory loss, people with dementia may hallucinate, lash out at caregivers, behave in[...]
One week from today on October 25, the Porterville Adult Day Services will be hosting an all-day caregiver conference for family caregivers and professionals. CAREGIVING in the Tennis Shoe Generation* kicks off with a moving yet humorous keynote by yours truly, tying together experiences as a family[...]
