Aging & Elderly

What are the early signs of Alzheimers Disease?

03/03/2014

Dear Karen,
How do I know if my mom has Alzheimer’s disease? What are some of the early signs of this disease? -Betty

Dear Betty:
Good question, Betty. Many people, including myself, want to know what signs to look for. For wisdom on this subject I went to wonderful resource, Coach Broyles’ Playbook for Alzheimer’s Caregivers. Frank Broyles, is Athletic Director Emeritus for the University of Arkansas Razorbacks. His wife, Barbara, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Frank says, “I had many questions and spent a lot of time looking for answers. What I learned is contained in my book, Playbook for Alzheimer’s Caregivers.”

One of the first topics which Coach Broyles deals with in his book is what signs to look for.

A Treasured Gift for the Elderly

11/21/2015

Do you ever wonder what to talk about when you go to visit an elderly aunt, grandfather or parent? If so, check out Telling Life’s Stories on this website.  There you will find over 70 questions to ask someone about their life. Here are a few examples: What was your favorite subject in school? Why? What […]

More Gifts for the Elderly

Do you know an elderly relative or friend and wonder what to give them for Christmas? Here are some ideas. Elderly people feel the cold more, so a cozy lap blanket, afghan, bed jacket, or a Snuggie would be a good gift. Offer to come by and decorate the Christmas tree.  Bring some goodies and […]

Gifts for the Elderly Living in a Nursing Home

12/13/2012

Elderly people have their own unique needs and wants to consider when deciding on what to give them for Christmas. They will be delighted to receive a present that truly reflects your love and care, because it is tailored to their specific situation.

Some elderly people still live independently in their own homes, making one type of gift appropriate, while others reside in nursing homes and have a different set of Christmas wishes.

Transforming A Nursing Home Room This Christmas

12/03/2014

The Christmas holidays are supposed to be happy, fun, joyful and overflowing with bonds of love. Although nursing home staffs make the effort to create a merry atmosphere, family and friends can go the extra mile to create a festive space out of their loved one’s room. Here’s how my family transformed a loved one’s room […]

How do we handle the holidays when a loved one has dementia?

12/02/2014

Holidays are memory days. But not for people with dementia.“Do you remember the year the tree fell over…when the cousins stayed for all eight days…when Santa forgot to eat the cookies and the kids cried…”Holidays, especially the Christmas holiday are a tapestry woven with memories. So what happens when your mom or dad or loved one has lost those memories and you want to spend time with them.

The Wooden Bowl

09/21/2015

A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and four-year old grandson. The old man’s hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and his step faltered. The family ate together at the table. But the elderly grandfather’s shaky hands and failing sight made eating difficult. Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor. When he grasped the glass, milk spilled on the tablecloth.

The son and daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess. “We must do something about father,” said the son. “I’ve had enough of his spilled milk, noisy eating, and food on the floor.”