Gift Ideas For Caregivers

Are you looking for the perfect gift for a caregiver on your list? Whether you are showing appreciating for a family caregiver's selfless efforts, or thanking a professional caregiver for their dedication, the list below should give you some good ideas .

Happy Thanksgiving--Gratitude Checklist

Happy Thanksgiving! In honor of the celebration, and caregivers across the country who are hosting the holiday as well as caring for a loved one; here are some reminders of all you have to be thankful for today: 

Quotes from Caregiving--Fun Things The Elderly Say

Guess what I uncovered during my office organization project? My old caregiving journals! These books are precious to me because they contain not only everyday details of the job, but also because they are filled with great quotes from the elderly. 

Anytime someone would say something funny, witty, philosophical or  sarcastic, I would jot it down in my book. It was a way of holding on to all the best moments in caregiving, and preserving memories of many wonderful people who touched my life before they passed from theirs. 

In honor of their eccentric personalities and excellent minds, I'm sharing some of my favorites with you today. Join me  and

7 Things That Can Scare Someone With Dementia

What scares you the most? Loud sounds, spiders, shadows? The thought of intruders, the feeling of being watched, things you can't explain?

Now imagine that you think you see these things all the time. You can't escape from them, and you can't ask anyone to help you with your fears. 

That may be the way someone with dementia feels when they encounter things that are unfamiliar or unrecognizable. 

You may not be able to remove all of these problems from your loved one's life, but understanding what causes fear and paranoia could help you cope with dementia behaviors more efficiently. 

Here are seven common things that can scare, worry, bother, or upset people with dementia: 

ARD and Korsakoff Syndrome--The Other Dementias

Picture this in your mind. A man shuffles down the long hallway of a nursing home. He is wearing only one shoe, his shirt front is damp from drooled saliva. His clothes are wrinkled and stained. He won't let anyone change them. 


As he stumbles along, bumping into walls, he waves his arms and mutters incoherently. His hands tremble, his body twitches. He stops walking and looks around, obviously lost and confused. 

He stares at a painting on the wall, then pulls at his hair in agitation, and turns back toward the people-filled lobby. He can't recall his own name, where his room is, or how to eat with a spoon. 


Its Not Alzheimer's ...

Is Keeping Our Elders at Home the Best Decision?

Planning for where the elderly will age for their remaining years is one of the tough decisions caregivers have to make. For some, there will only be one final home in later age. Others may transition through the levels of senior care options as their needs increase.

Today's guest author discusses a few things to consider before you help your elderly loved one make a decision.

Is Keeping Our Elders at Home the Best Decision in Their Interest?

It's all too natural for the seniors to want to stay home when they grow older, but it is our duty to take a step back and rationalize the bigger picture so that we can make a well-informed decision, keeping their best interests in mind. 


More often than not, decisions to transfer seniors to nursing homes or care facilities are frantically made after facing a sudden loss or crisis. This makes the arrangement all the more painful for them and the entire family.



Every home is unique, and there are several factors that contribute to the best choice in such a situation. Here is a list of things you should evaluate before deciding to shift your seniors to a nursing home:

Nursing Homes Are Ugly! Tips for Personalizing Your Loved One's Living Space

*this post contains affiliate links. Read here for full disclosure*

When your elderly loved one lived at home, they had a bedroom that was decorated to their own personal tastes, and filled with what they needed. If they lived with you, perhaps you gave them a fabulous bedroom makeover to welcome them. They've been spoiled for years on great bedrooms.


Then...


 They move to the nursing home, where they may be faced with decor that is, well...

Before you Become a Caregiver 18 Questions to Ask Yourself

So, the time has come. Your aging parent needs more care than they can provide for themselves. Are you the right person to fill that need? 

Of course, you may say. You are their child. 

Taking on the role of care provider to a family member isn't a decision to be taken lightly. There may a number of reasons why you can't or shouldn't take on the responsibility. On the other hand, all signs may indicate that you are the perfect person to step up to the plate. 


But before you say yes or no without a minute's thought, take time to answer these questions, in all honesty, to yourself...

Care Baskets For the Elderly--Life Essentials

Millions of senior citizens live below the poverty line. This time of year they face the possibility of a long winter, without the means to go out and stock up their homes with useful necessities. Countless others are housebound due to illness, disabilities, or lack of transportation. 

If you are looking for a meaningful community project, why not assemble a team of volunteers to help make care packages for these elders? 

To make beneficial care baskets, you just need to ask yourself: 

What would you need to get by from day to day if you couldn't afford (or weren't physically able) to go shopping?

 (Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through my links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting this blog! Full disclosure here.)

The Do's and Don'ts of Dementia (Guest Post)

Everybody will meet dementia. As the number of people with this condition grows, so does our likelihood of encountering dementia behaviors everyday. 

We will see them in our loved ones, our friends, our neighbors, our colleagues. We will encounter them in the workplace, on vacation and online.

That is why it is more important than ever for people (not just caregivers) to recognize the signs of dementia, and to know the do's and don'ts of communicating with someone who is affected. 

Today's guest post takes us over a few reminders of why we may meet with outbursts from those with dementia, and how we can handle the situation in a dignified, humane manner.