heidibrowngeriatriccmSigns of an online "sweetheart scam"Romance crime is on the rise. Over 25,000 people reported a sweetheart scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in 2019, a threefold...
heidibrowngeriatriccmSubtle signs of a heart attackIt may surprise you to learn that the signs of a heart attack, especially in women, can be very different than those for men. Subtle...
heidibrowngeriatriccmWhen your relative is actively dyingIn the last two weeks, as a loved one is nearing death, it is natural to want to be at their side. But then, what? Especially if you have...
heidibrowngeriatriccmNeed a new doctor?The pandemic has brought on a wave of physician retirements. Perhaps one of your relative's doctors has sent a letter announcing the...
heidibrowngeriatriccmFriends? Who has time?If you are like most family caregivers, your social life has dropped in priority as you juggle your loved one's needs. There just aren't...
heidibrowngeriatriccmA spouse's grief in the face of dementiaGrief is the expected response to a loved one's death. We expect to mourn, and we receive comfort from others. But in the context of a...
heidibrowngeriatriccmMaking the best use of your time offTime off from caregiving is precious. But after a break, many family caregivers find they don't feel as refreshed as they hoped they...
heidibrowngeriatriccmWriting the last chapterIf your loved one has health challenges, they may be feeling a loss of control. Add to that a terminal diagnosis and a sense of doom may...
heidibrowngeriatriccmPrivate pay services for care at homeTypically, it's family members who fill in to perform the necessary tasks. But for many, perhaps including you, there are obstacles to...
heidibrowngeriatriccmHearing the TV betterIs your loved one having trouble hearing the television? Closed captioning isn't helping enough? Check out these possible solutions....
heidibrowngeriatriccmEngaging activities for persons with dementiaIt is usually obvious what a person with dementia is no longer able to do. But finding things your loved one CAN do may feel like a...
heidibrowngeriatriccmHelp at home: Community programsFor nonmedical support, check out community programs. Many are provided by nonprofit organizations. Others by faith communities. And...
heidibrowngeriatriccmHolidays without your loved oneThe holiday season is a festive time of year, but it may not feel much like a celebration for people grieving the loss of a loved one....
heidibrowngeriatriccmThe special needs of Vietnam-era vetsAlmost 3.5 million members of the military served in Vietnam between 1964 and 1975. Was your relative one of them? This group of veterans...
heidibrowngeriatriccmProducts for addressing incontinenceThere are many undergarments designed to help with incontinence. They can't prevent it, but they can help your loved one feel more...
heidibrowngeriatriccmIs Medicare Advantage the best choice?Once a year, Medicare offers the option to change plans. In 2021, the Open Enrollment period is October 15–December 7. Your loved one may...
heidibrowngeriatriccmDepression after a scary diagnosisIf the person you care for has a life-threatening illness, you might think it's only natural for them to feel down. Even hopeless from...
heidibrowngeriatriccmToo many pills: When less is moreMore than half of older adults take five or more medications per day. That's "polypharmacy," and can be dangerous. Taking too many...
heidibrowngeriatriccmManaging emotional outburstsIf the person you care for has Alzheimer's disease or another type of dementia, you may find their sudden emotional swings more difficult...
heidibrowngeriatriccmThe "dignity of risk"One of the most challenging dilemmas when caring for an aging parent is balancing their preference for independence with your concern for...