Most family caregivers did not volunteer for the job.  I don’t know too many caregivers jumping up and down screaming “pick me, pick me!”   Typically the role of family caregiver falls onto the shoulders of one main family member.  It could be the spouse, who lives with their aging loved one, or an adult child, who lives nearby, or a niece or nephew who steps in to manage things.  It is one of the hardest jobs around and often a… Read the rest

As a family caregiver it can feel strange to have to ask others for help.  However, in order to be a successful caregiver, it is required you find help so you do not experience caregiver burnout. Surprisingly though…most people who are approached to help are often very pleased to be asked.  Typically friends, family and neighbors do want to help, but they do not know what is needed and do not want to interfere.  Once you ask for help, you… Read the rest

As a family caregiver you probably spend countless hours helping support your aging loved one.  You arrange for doctor appointments, help them with their daily medications, make sure they are well-nourished, coordinate all their paperwork and manage all the details of their life in addition to balancing all the details of your own life.   You probably try to do this with a good heart most of the time.  You work hard to not show resentment or frustration.  At Sarahcare, adult… Read the rest

Being a family caregiver is a tough job.  Especially during the holidays when we are expected to not only care for our aging loved one who may have dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, but also to care for the rest of the family.  There is extra shopping, cleaning, cooking and entertaining to do throughout the season.  Caregivers rarely get a chance to look at their own needs.  For January though, we want all family caregivers to slow down and take a… Read the rest

Meaningful Activities are Key to Helping an Aging Love One Manage Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease
Family caregivers who are responsible for caring for a person with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease face an ongoing struggle of how to best provide care and support.  It is challenging to find appropriate and stimulating activities for their loved one. Often the television is used as a babysitting option, however, not only is this a mind-numbing activity, it also prevents the senior from gaining any… Read the rest

Living in an intergenerational family was once just a part of life.  Unfortunately, as our culture has evolved so has our family dynamics.  Families are now much more dispersed; younger generations move away for school and job opportunities, boomer adults down size and move away to active senior living communities.  Often grandchildren rarely get to know their grandparents the way we did 20 or 30 years ago.   Laurie Orlov with Aging in Place Technology Watch, talks about new technologies,… Read the rest

Caring for an aging parent or loved one who has dementia can make the sanest person even a little bonkers.    It is ok…sometime you just have to laugh at the craziness of it all.  One of the craziest things caregivers deal with daily, is trying to find ways to entertain and keep their aging loved one with dementia engaged throughout the day.  Of course, television is often an easy entertainment option; however the lack of stimulation experienced after hours of… Read the rest

As the holiday season approaches, family caregivers who are responsible for managing the care of an aging loved one, often find themselves under additional pressure to create a family atmosphere of holiday peace and joy. At Sarahcare, we know that keeping peace and joy in the house during family gatherings with an aging loved one who may have dementia or Alzheimer’s disease can be near impossible.  One of the biggest challenges is finding family activities that are appealing to… Read the rest

Finding Appropriate Activities for your Senior can be the Solution to a Happy Holiday Season

The holiday season can be the best of times and the worst of times. With family gathered together, you are reminded again why it’s all worthwhile. But, as a family caregiver, the additional work of cooking, organizing & entertaining can make it incredibly stressful. If you are caring for an aging parent or loved one, it can be particularly challenging. How can everyone come together… Read the rest

As a family caregiver, helping your aging loved one manage their diabetes is a daily effort.  If your aging loved one is stubborn or perhaps experiencing dementia, the effort can become a battle.  During the holidays it is more complicated with the deluge of candy and sweets that seem to surround the house.   All your well-meaning friends and neighbors love to drop off plates of cookies and candies during the holidays as a way of showing they care; exasperating the… Read the rest