Living in New England we get to experience the beautiful array of foliage colors that takes place every autumn starting in September. The red, orange and yellow leaves create a magnificent landscape and walking outdoors to see this spectacle of colors is not only...
Yoga, Alzheimer’s, and Caregiving
A 2014 study, The Effect of Chair Yoga in Older Adults with Moderate and Severe Alzheimer’s Disease, published in Research in Gerontological Nursing, was recently a focus of a Yoga U article, Yoga May Aid in Treatment of Stroke, MS, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and More,...
PlumFest
Plum Island has attracted artsy crowds for decades; poets, musicians, painters and writers, all looking to be inspired by the island’s beauty and tranquility. So, when two musically motivated residents were looking to bring a sense of unity and fellowship to this...
Millennials: The Next Generation of Caregivers
Millennials are defined as the generation born between the early 1980s and the early 2000s. They are generally the children of baby boomers and older Gen Xers and these generations reach Medicare age in a time of longer life expectancies and medical advancements, more...
Food For Thought
Peggy Knickerbocker’s article, Brain Food, Cooking Light, November 2016, focuses on the effect of food on brain health and highlights Hunter Lewis’ statement that “there’s hope in taking charge”. The article focuses on award-winning food writer Paula Wolfert, who...
Something about the Savvy?
So you may have heard about a new training being offered in Massachusetts called The Savvy Caregiver. The Healthy Living Center of Excellence located at Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley is facilitating and coordinating all of the Savvy Caregiver Trainings along...
Dementia vs Alzheimer’s
Many times caregivers are told by a primary care doctor that the loved one they care for has dementia and it is not Alzheimer’s. Dementia as a diagnosis is really not a complete diagnosis. Additionally many PCP’s are often still reluctant to refer a person who has...
Music and Memory
My dad was a musician before he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. How can I incorporate his love of music into a plan for his care going forward? Music has proved to be very therapeutic, especially for those who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or a...
Support Groups
I recently heard about a caregiver support group that meets at my local hospital. What can I expect if I choose to attend and what are some of the benefits? It can feel intimidating if you’ve never attended a support group before but here are some things you should...
What is a Memory Café?
A memory café is a safe and inviting place for individuals with cognitive challenges and their caregivers to come together and enjoy some quality time through a socially engaging activity. All who attend are given the opportunity to meet and mingle with others in the...