Need 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...
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heidibrowngeriatriccm
Friends? 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...
heidibrowngeriatriccm
A spouse's grief in the face of dementia
Grief 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...
heidibrowngeriatriccm
Making the best use of your time off
Time off from caregiving is precious. But after a break, many family caregivers find they don't feel as refreshed as they hoped they...
heidibrowngeriatriccm
Writing the last chapter
If 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...
heidibrowngeriatriccm
Private pay services for care at home
Typically, it's family members who fill in to perform the necessary tasks. But for many, perhaps including you, there are obstacles to...
heidibrowngeriatriccm
Hearing the TV better
Is your loved one having trouble hearing the television? Closed captioning isn't helping enough? Check out these possible solutions....
heidibrowngeriatriccm
Engaging activities for persons with dementia
It 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...
heidibrowngeriatriccm
Help at home: Community programs
For nonmedical support, check out community programs. Many are provided by nonprofit organizations. Others by faith communities. And...
heidibrowngeriatriccm
Holidays without your loved one
The 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....
heidibrowngeriatriccm
The special needs of Vietnam-era vets
Almost 3.5 million members of the military served in Vietnam between 1964 and 1975. Was your relative one of them? This group of veterans...
heidibrowngeriatriccm
Products for addressing incontinence
There are many undergarments designed to help with incontinence. They can't prevent it, but they can help your loved one feel more...
heidibrowngeriatriccm
Is 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...
heidibrowngeriatriccm
Depression after a scary diagnosis
If 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...
heidibrowngeriatriccm
Too many pills: When less is more
More than half of older adults take five or more medications per day. That's "polypharmacy," and can be dangerous. Taking too many...
heidibrowngeriatriccm
Managing emotional outbursts
If the person you care for has Alzheimer's disease or another type of dementia, you may find their sudden emotional swings more difficult...
heidibrowngeriatriccm
The "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...
heidibrowngeriatriccm
Not all socks are created equal
What do a marathon runner and your aging parent have in common? Both could benefit from compression socks! By applying pressure to the...
heidibrowngeriatriccm
Dealing with anxiety
It'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...
heidibrowngeriatriccm
Services at home: Medicare
Medicare is health insurance provided by the federal government. It covers adults 65 and older, as well as persons with disabilities. In...
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