Q. I am 76 years old and the primary caretaker of my wife, who has Alzheimer’s. While I love my wife and want to help her, there are days when I am exhausted and struggling, especially when I’ve been up all night with her. Our doctor suggested trying an adult day...
Ask Joan: Dry January gaining traction
Q: I’ve been looking to make some lifestyle changes this New Year, and I’m curious about Dry January. I’ve heard my friends mention it, but I don’t know a lot about it. Can one month really make a difference? What are your thoughts? A: I’ve heard of a lot of...
Ask Joan: Resources to assist older adults
Question: I am trying to gather information for my next-door neighbors who are in their 80s. Over the past year, they seem to be struggling to take care of their home and get out to do their grocery shopping and run errands. I help when I can, but they need much more...
Comfort pets provide companionship to adults experiencing isolation, memory loss
By Stephen Anable, Communications Specialist Bernadette Cary, 87, is relaxing on her bed in her room at the Sutton Home for Women in Peabody, cuddling a new stuffed dog. It looks like a typical plush toy: blond, roughly a foot high, with an expression that suggests...
“Forever Fit” TV Series Begins Tomorrow, Friday, July 16
Some days, cooking can seem like a time-consuming hassle and making time for exercise falls victim to our busy schedules. But, if we’re told “you are what you eat” and “move it or lose it,” what should we do? This is especially meaningful for older adults...
5 Quick Tips to Handle the Holidays!
My caregiving journey is challenging, but I do not journey alone, and my best is enough. Family Caregiver Holidays can be wonderful. And, holidays can be stressful – especially if you are a caregiver. Here are five quick tips to help you manage the season. 1. Plan any...
“Do I Have Rights as a Caregiver?” Understanding the CARE ACT
As we close out the year and get ready for 2019, it’s important that caregivers are recognized for all the support they give daily to their loved one, and to make sure they understand their rights. Most caregivers know the sacrifices they make but many may be unaware...
March is Brain Injury Awareness Month!
I thought I would first start with sharing a personal story with you. This is Jim’s story and he shares his experience following his brain injury and how the Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts (BIA-MA) has helped support him through his journey and provided...
Personal Care and Alzheimer’s Disease: How to Avoid the Struggle
Bathing can be difficult for someone with Alzheimer’s or Dementia and also then often becomes a daily struggle for their caregivers. Here are some suggestions that might help if you are providing bathing assistance for your loved one: Have all items ready for bathing...
Bombarded with information, SHINE to the Rescue!
This may be how you feel at this time of year if you are eligible for Medicare, already have Medicare, or turning 65 soon. With television advertisements that tell you they have the best plan for you, the extra mail stuffed into your mailbox that falls out of your...