Holidays are stressful even in the best of times. When you are caring for someone with dementia, the opportunity for things to go sideways increases exponentially. In this 20-minute video, Sandra Levine and I talk about five things you can do to minimize your stress and that of the person living with dementia. From using effective communication to downsizing the group, … [Read more...]
An Answer to Phone Scams Perpetrated On Our Older Adults
Scams against people aged 60 and older have increased as online methods of communication have increased. In fact, according to a report by the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, there is an increase of 14% from 2023 in elder fraud complaints and the financial loss is $3.4 billion for those victims. One solution to phone scams comes out of the personal experience of Gogie … [Read more...]
Dementia Distance Caregiving and Tough Decisions.
When the dementia journey with my mom began in 2020, I became keenly aware of the underlying current of dread and distress that comes with caregiving. Anything can go sideways at any time, whether you are nearby or not, which is why when I saw the call coming in from memory care at 11:00 pm, I thought, Oh, No. Mom was in her mid-70s and in perfect health living in California … [Read more...]
Buy the Ticket: Take the Ride: My dad’s last hoorah despite dementia
With a career working with seniors and specializing in supporting those living with dementia, you would think that I would be fully prepared when my father was officially diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and Vascular Dementia. But the truth is no one can prepare you for this news and the realization that everything will be different. But I learned one important lesson on this … [Read more...]
Are You Putting Off Grief or Finally Living Your Life?
2023 was the year when, for the first time, I was able to really concentrate on my business. It feels good to see everything that was accomplished and gratifying to look back at the family caregivers whose lives I was able to touch. It felt like I was finally reclaiming my life. So, if 2023 was such a good year, why was the start of 2024 hard personally and professionally? … [Read more...]