heidibrowngeriatriccmNot all socks are created equalWhat do a marathon runner and your aging parent have in common? Both could benefit from compression socks! By applying pressure to the...
heidibrowngeriatriccmDealing with anxietyIt's only natural for family caregivers to worry. Understandably, we spend a lot of time thinking about "what's next." But if you are in...
heidibrowngeriatriccmServices at home: MedicareMedicare is health insurance provided by the federal government. It covers adults 65 and older, as well as persons with disabilities. In...
heidibrowngeriatriccmCoping with another person's pain When your family member is in pain, you are suffering, too. The "mirror neurons" in our brains are programmed to recognize pain in...
heidibrowngeriatriccmWhat is a daily money manager?A financial advisor manages investments. A daily money manager (DMM) is someone who comes to the home once or twice a month to handle the...
heidibrowngeriatriccmThe decision to stop dialysisDialysis is life sustaining yet also quite taxing for the patient. About 25% of people who choose dialysis later decide to stop....
heidibrowngeriatriccmLearning to forgive yourselfAccording to psychologist Rick Hanson, PhD, we all have an inner critic and an inner protector. Together they help us maintain a balanced...
heidibrowngeriatriccmThe healing power of musicCan listening to calming music actually ease pain? Can singing silly songs make you happier? Researchers say this isn't just a...
heidibrowngeriatriccmDealing with criticismReceiving criticism is never a pleasant experience, especially from family members. Whether it is a sibling griping about how you care...
heidibrowngeriatriccmWhat is a Medicaid spend down?There are two forms of government health insurance: Medicare. Basically, age-based insurance for older adults (age 65+), regardless of...
heidibrowngeriatriccmBladder issuesIf making it to the bathroom in time is a frequent concern for your relative, they may have an overactive bladder. More than 33 million...
heidibrowngeriatriccmWhat’s involved in giving care?Perhaps you call regularly to offer emotional support. Maybe you handle finances. Perhaps you visit weekly. Or you may live with your...
heidibrowngeriatriccmExplaining your needs to othersAre you worried that asking for help sounds like whining? You may believe you "should" be able to do it all without assistance. Or think...
heidibrowngeriatriccmMedical management without dialysisDialysis typically buys a person some time. But it rules their life—and possibly yours. It requires strict adherence to the schedule....
heidibrowngeriatriccmGiving "awesome" new meaningCan you recall taking in a majestic view or the miracle of dewdrops on a spiderweb? That sense of awe—the magnificence of it all. In the...
heidibrowngeriatriccmSigns of financial abuseOlder adults are frequently targeted for financial abuse. They typically have more funds than their younger counterparts do. They tend to...
heidibrowngeriatriccmSeeds of family resilience: Focus on rewardsResearch on stress often involves family caregivers. No matter how much you love the person you care for, taking care of an ailing...
heidibrowngeriatriccmHow to get durable power of attorneyThere may come a time when your loved one will need help handling financial matters. Maybe filing taxes. Or interacting with Social...
heidibrowngeriatriccmTransitioning from curative careAt some point, the burdens of treatment may just become too much for your loved one: The nausea of chemo. The rigors of dialysis....
heidibrowngeriatriccmManaging arthritis painThe most common arthritis is osteoarthritis, which occurs most often in the hands, knees, hips, lower back, neck, and feet. It affects...