Archive for April, 2009
The Alzheimer’s Project
HBO Documentary Films will be airing a four part multimedia event, “Changing the Way America Thinks About Altzheimer’s Disease” starting on Sunday, May 10th at 9:00 p.m. Part 1: The Memory Loss Tapes Part 2: Grandpa, Do You Know Who I Am? with Maria Shriver Part 3: Momentum in Science Part 4: Caregivers Visit the HBO [...]
How to Help the Elderly with Spring Cleaning
Many of us look forward to Spring-cleaning each year. I am no exception. I have been trying to make the most of the nice weather we have had lately to do just that. After having overdone it a bit last weekend, I found myself a little sore on Monday morning. It was at this time [...]
What to Expect after a Heart Attack
An online article from Everyday Health provides a nice of list common questions that patients have after experiencing a heart attack. Following each question they also provide readers with answers. It is important to note that we are not physicians. Please consult your physician for medical advice on any restrictions you may have following [...]
Sorting Through Mom and Dad’s Belongings
In the fall of 2006, when my Mother moved from her home into assisted living, I was faced with the monumental task of finding a home for 70+ years worth of her belongings. Both of my parents were incredibly sentimental people. They were well traveled and collected souvenirs on most vacations. They were frugal so they didn’t [...]
Doing Battle with Insurance Companies
Many of us have been in the situation of having an insurance claim rejected. Often it can be solved by simple documentation. It’s a nuisance, but they go away quickly. In other situations, the insurance company digs in and is adamant that you shall not be covered. In some situations, they’re dead wrong and with [...]
Tips for Making it to 100
Marking the event of our 100th hand-crafted post, we thought it would be appropriate to cover what it takes to make it to 100 years of age. Thanks Charlie for the suggestion! It was a good choice because it seems as though there’s an infinite amount of information on becoming a centenarian. Frankly, we always [...]
How Green Are Your Wishes?
For those seniors who are a little more in tune with the environment there is an emerging ‘green burial’ movement. The interesting thing about the green burial movement is the variety of options offered. Most can be classified into two major categories: cremation and whole-body burial. From there many of the choices have to do [...]
Breaking Bad News to Elderly Parents
Recently I had to break the news to my parents about the death of my brother. While it was a difficult experience to face, I knew I had to do it so I didn’t put it off. It was a relief that I didn’t muck it up and my parents handled it well. It got [...]
How to Reduce Anxiety for those with Dementia
It’s often easy to accidentally put someone who is suffering from dementia into a state of anxiety. Dementia can be caused by a number of things including neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, blood flow-related (vascular) disorders such as multi-infarct disease, inherited disorders such as Huntington’s disease, and infections such as HIV. Whatever the cause, [...]
Recognizing Heart Attack Symptoms in Women
Women, myself included, frequently make the mistake of assuming that heart failure is not one of our greatest health risks. According to Real Age, “the threat is very real, especially in the years leading up to and following monopause when hormonal changes can open the door to heart disease. Knowing the symptoms that women often [...]