Caring Currents Archive 2008
October 2008
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New Nursing Homes Put the Emphasis on "Home" about 10 hours ago
A new movement to make nursing homes more homelike is catching on across the country.
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For Family Caregivers, Saying "No" Is an Act of Love 1 day ago
Taking care of yourself helps you take care of others. When you feel maxed out as a caregiver, it's really OK to say no.
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Dementia and Driving: Is It OK? 4 days ago
Driving and dementia: The question of whether people with dementia should be able to drive is controversial. Here, a review of some relevant facts.
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Look Online for Hundreds of Ways to Save Money 4 days ago
As the financial crisis shows no signs of slowing down, here are ways to save money and free up cash.
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Silence Not Golden -- Or Helpful -- For Dying Patients And Their Families 5 days ago
Talking about end-of-life issues benefits both patients and their families.
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"Chemo Brain" Can Be a Serious Concern for Cancer Patients 5 days ago
Chemo brain, or fuzzy thinking and memory loss from chemotherapy, may be due to long term brain cell damage, but new treatments are now available.
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Fire Safety Tips for Protecting Elders 7 days ago
October is Fire Safety Month. These tips can help caregivers protect aging-in-place seniors from home fires.
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Elders Keep Falling a Secret for Fear of Losing Independence 8 days ago
Some elders hide their falls for fear of losing independence. Caregivers can take steps to reduce the risks of falling.
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How Furry Toys, Animals, and Dolls Help People With Dementia 11 days ago
Meet "Paro" and learn how "robot therapy," animal therapy, and doll therapy are helping people with dementia
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When Money Is Tight, More People Cut Back on Healthcare 11 days ago
During these rocky economic times, an increasing number of people are saving money by cutting back on spiraling health care costs.
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Understanding What It Means to Be Old 12 days ago
Mary Pipher's book, Another Country, helps the reader understand the experience of growing old in America.
September 2008
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Second Opinions: 6 Tips to Seeking Alternative Advice 6 days ago
Second opinions: Six tips to getting a second opinion for aging family members.
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Second Opinions: If in Doubt, Seek One Out 12 days ago
Second opinions for seniors and when caregivers should seek a second opinion.
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Cancer Claims Paul Newman but His Legacy Lives On 13 days ago
Paul Newman died of cancer last week after keeping his illness private, leaving behind a legacy of an extraordinary life.
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Home Monitors Watch Over Seniors Aging in Place 14 days ago
Home electronic monitors, which attach to the walls in seniors' homes and trigger a call for help, are an important option for aging-in-place safety.
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Diaper Humor is Best Left to Those Who Know What They're Talking About 15 days ago
A recent discussion about humor and adult diapers points out the very thin line between offensive and funny.
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Euthanasia for End-Stage Alzheimer's? How About Humanity Instead 18 days ago
People with late-stage dementia should kill themselves, says a British government adviser, but here's what's really needed for late-stage Alzheimer's disease care.
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What the Financial Meltdown Means for You and Your Family 18 days ago
In light of the market meltdown of the past few weeks, it does make sense to reevaluate your financial situation and investment strategies.
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Lack of Energy: Not a Normal Sign of Aging 19 days ago
A lack of energy in the elderly isn't normal and may signal an underlying health concern that warrants medical attention.
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A Grandchild Steps in to Help Her Family: The Sequel 19 days ago
Caregiving by a twenty-something grandchild does wonders for her elderly grandparents.
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New Scoring System Simplifies Breast Cancer Treatment Decisions 20 days ago
Breast cancer patients and caregivers have to make tough decisions in deciding on a treatment plan, but a new breast cancer test takes the guesswork out of deciding who needs chemotherapy and who doesn't.
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Technological Advances Keep Seniors Safe on the Road 21 days ago
New technologies in the works will help keep seniors safe on the road -- and help them live independently in their own homes longer.
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Personal To-Do Lists That Help You With Caregiving Challenges 22 days ago
Caring.com launches new To-Do lists to help you navigate caregiver challenges.
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When Dementia Is "Pleasant" 25 days ago
"Pleasant dementia" is when a person's personality changes to being happy and in-the-moment.
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Medicare Hotline Leaves Callers Cold 25 days ago
Medicare patients looking for help with the government health insurance program are told to first call 1-800-Medicare for help. But that may be the last place they should turn.
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Doctors' Visits: Getting the Most Out of Appointments 26 days ago
How to get the most out of a doctor's office visit when you're the caregiver for a loved one.
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Hospice: Comfort for Patient and Caregivers Alike 26 days ago
One family's experience with hospice during a mother's last weeks of life.
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Cancer Patients and Caregivers Hail New Anti-Nausea Patch 27 days ago
The FDA's approval of Sancuso, an anti-nausea patch, excites cancer patients and caregivers because nausea can sideline those undergoing chemotherapy.
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New Gadgets to Help the Old 28 days ago
New innovations help address the challenges of aging. Here's an update on the latest breakthroughs, like the iShoe for fall prevention and video phones in nursing homes.
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Memory Classes: They Only Work if You Really Want to Be There 29 days ago
Classes to enhance memory are only beneficial if the student really wants to be there.
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Is Age Too Great an Alzheimer's Risk for the Presidency? about 1 month ago
Some charge that John McCain is at risk for Alzheimer's, and that he's too old, at 72, to become president. What are the real facts about who's at risk for Alzheimer's?
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Keeping Your Parents Safe From Scammers about 1 month ago
Senior citizens are attractive targets for scammers, according to a new report, but there are some simple and easy things you can do to help keep your parent from being victimized.
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The Case For Geriatric Care about 1 month ago
How -- and why -- to choose a geriatrician for your aging parents' care.
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New Screening Technology Catches Cancer Better Than Mammograms about 1 month ago
A new screening technology, molecular breast imaging or MBI, caught three times the number of cancers in women with dense breast tissue as mammography in a Mayo Clinic study.
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Fighting for Breath: A Mother's Last Weeks of Life about 1 month ago
Laura Juel had to advocate for her mother during her final days to help her get pain relief.
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Adaptive Senior Clothing: A Welcome Solution to Dressing Challenges about 1 month ago
Adaptive clothing makes dressing much easier for older people with arthritis, Alzheimer's, and other debilitating conditions.
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Tough Times Can Turn Seniors into Bargain Hunters about 1 month ago
The tough economy is forcing more seniors than ever into bankruptcy, and leading many older people to find bargains available only to them.
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People With Dementia Need...People about 1 month ago
The physical benefits of being social for people with dementia, and some ideas for arranging this.
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A Grandchild Steps In to Help Her Family about 1 month ago
A young woman with both a big heart and streak of cynicism steps in to help her aging grandparents
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Diabetes Doughnut Hole Dilemma about 1 month ago
The so-called doughnut hole in prescription drug coverage hits seniors with diabetes -- and what to do to help a loved one keep paying for diabetes drugs.
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An Unpopular Idea: Worried About Cancer? Cut Back on Drinking about 1 month ago
More studies are showing that alcohol causes cancer, yet doctors are hesitant to suggest that patients cut back on drinking.
August 2008
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Nursing Home Evictions Underscore Need to Plan Ahead about 1 month ago
Nursing homes are evicting growing numbers of elderly residents. Here's how to protect seniors from nursing home evictions by establishing an eldercare plan.
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National Grandparents Day September 7: A Day to Reach Out to All Elderly about 1 month ago
National Grandparents Day on September 7 was conceived as a day to remember lonely nursing home residents, but now honors all the elderly.
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Is It Hard to Get an Early Alzheimer's Diagnosis? about 1 month ago
Early Alzheimer's patients have special challenges, according to a new Alzheimer's Association report, including getting an accurate diagnosis
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Millions Falling Into the Doughnut Hole about 1 month ago
Medicare Part D has a coverage gap, the doughnut hole, that forces millions of people to give up taking needed medications, according to a new Kaiser Family Foundation study.
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Diabetes A1c Test: New Use for an Old-Line Tool about 1 month ago
The A1c diabetes test should be used to screen for undetected diabetes, say a panel of experts.
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Sandwich Generation: Dispatches Part 2 about 1 month ago
Sandwich issues take a toll on the families and colleagues of caregivers.
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New Lung Cancer Vaccine Quadruples Survival Time for Some about 1 month ago
A vaccine called Lucanix starting clinical trials in August 2008 may help patients with Stage III or IV non small-cell lung patients live longer with few side effects.
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Assisted Living in Challenging Times -- Planning Is the Key about 1 month ago
Assisted living faces rising costs and other pressures, which makes planning for assisted living both challenging and necessary.
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Sandwich Generation: Dispatches From the Front about 1 month ago
Members of the "Sandwich Generation" face many emotional as well as practical challenges
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Vision Problems: New Ways to "Read" When Older Eyes Fail about 1 month ago
For seniors losing their eyesight, there's a world of services to help them read. Here are some big ones.
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Margaret Thatcher's Dementia and Her Daughter's Wise Reminder about 1 month ago
Former British prime minister Margaret Thatcher is revealed to have dementia; her daughter's observations.
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Better Sleep for Dementia Caregivers: Two Fresh Solutions about 1 month ago
A new study shows hands-on dementia caregivers have significantly worse sleep than noncaregivers; two fresh possible solutions.
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Storm Watch: What About Reverse Mortgages? about 1 month ago
With hurricane season upon us, it's important for reverse mortgage holders to understand the implications of natural disasters.
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Do Good Daughters Park Their Parents With Dementia in Respite Care Overnight? about 1 month ago
A New York Times cover page article explores vacation respite care for Alzheimer's caregivers; advice on overcoming separation anxiety
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Diabetes A1c Test: Out With the Old and In With the New about 1 month ago
A new diabetes measure, called an eAG, tracks blood sugar levels.
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R. I. P. Leroy Sievers, Who Taught Us to Talk About Cancer about 1 month ago
The legacy of NPR blogger Leroy Sievers, who died this week, is that he taught us to talk about cancer openly and honestly.
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Making Homes Safer for Seniors: Talking Points about 1 month ago
Universal design principles can help seniors age in place safely. Here's how to communicate with elders about making home modifications based on universal design.
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Are Your Parents Driving Their Caregivers to Quit? about 1 month ago
It's a more common problem than you might think. Here's why it happens--and what to do.
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High Blood Pressure? Put Down the Salt Shaker about 1 month ago
A new study shows that too much salt can boost blood pressure. These resources can help you reduce salt intake at home and when dining out.
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End-of-Life Financial Lessons Learned the Hard Way 2 months ago
Francine Lipman, who teaches tax law, discovered that even she was ill-equipped to prepare herself for the financial realities of her mother's death.
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Depression and the Too-Secret Grief of the Dementia Caregiver 2 months ago
Grief precedes death for dementia caregivers; little wonder one in four are depressed.
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Diabetes Drug Combo May Keep the Mind Healthy 2 months ago
Some diabetes drugs may stave off Alzheimer's disease, according to new research.
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Watermelons for Healthy Living -- and Loving 2 months ago
Watermelons can improve everything from your circulation to your love life.
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Cancer and the Single Patient: A Special Need for Help 2 months ago
Caring for someone with cancer who doesn't have a partner is a special challenge, and a very important type of caregiving.
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Universal Design Part 2 -- Breaking the Ice 2 months ago
Universal design can make seniors' homes safer, but many older people resist changes. Advice for getting seniors to agree to home renovations.
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Senior Safety Net at Your Fingertips: Dial 2-1-1 2 months ago
2-1-1 is a free nationwide telephone service that connects you to all kinds of local social service referrals, including for seniors.
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Suspect a Stroke? Call 911 2 months ago
At the first sign of stroke, it's important to call 911, as a new study shows most victims don't get help quickly enough.
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New Type of Loan Turns Insurance Policies into Cash 2 months ago
A new type of loan will allow older adults to borrow against their life insurance policy.
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Decoding the Secret Language of Alzheimer's 2 months ago
What people with Alzheimer's are really saying.
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Prescription Addiction Part 4: One Family's Story 2 months ago
Prescription medication causes a senior to become addicted.
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Exciting Clinical Trials for Advanced Prostate Cancer 2 months ago
Late-stage prostate cancer patients now have new drugs available through clinical trials that are now recruiting.
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"Universal Design" Helps Seniors Age In Place With Grace 2 months ago
Universal design principals are making the home accessible to everyone, regardless of age or ability -- are a useful option for seniors aging in place.
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A Toast to Aging Well 2 months ago
A tribute to a dad on the occasion of his 75th birthday.
July 2008
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Seniors May Need Less Sleep 2 months ago
Seniors may not need as much sleep as previously thought.
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Dental Treatment for Alzheimer's Patients 2 months ago
For people with Alzheimer's or dementia, specially trained dentists provide a gentle touch.
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Depression Increases Risk of Stroke in Elderly 2 months ago
Depression and first stroke may be linked in the elderly. Learn more about the warning signs of depression.
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New Alzheimer's Breakthroughs, The Cliff Notes Version 2 months ago
A quick guide to news from the 2008 International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease.
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Reverse Mortgages: Dragged Down By The Mortgage Mess? 2 months ago
Included in the new mortgage bill are overhauls to the rules governing reverse mortgages. But are the new rules enough to calm worried seniors?
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Prescription Addiction Part 3: No Magic Pill 2 months ago
Prescription drug abuse and addiction by the elderly, and how to help them avoid it.
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Diet Linked to Diabetes Risk 2 months ago
Diet does matter if you or your parents want to cut your risk for type 2 diabetes.
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A "Pre-Dementia" Epidemic? 2 months ago
Mild cognitive impairment -- a mild mental decline that can be a precursor to Alzheimer's-- is on the rise.
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The World Mourns Randy Pausch's Death From Pancreatic Cancer 2 months ago
Pancreatic cancer patient Randy Pausch gained worldwide fame with his "Last Lecture" video and book, a legacy that hopefully will translate into new treatment options for deadly pancreatic cancer.
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Virtual Tour Helps Make Seniors' Homes Safer 2 months ago
A new virtual tour from the Home Safety Council, at mysafehome.org, offers caregivers advice on making the home safer for seniors and aging-in-place parents.
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On PBS: What's It Like to Have Alzheimer's? 2 months ago
"The Forgetting: A Portrait of Alzheimer's" on PBS is an excellent examination of the disease.
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Bathing Blocks: When an Elder Refuses to Bathe 2 months ago
When your parents refuse to bathe, there are ways you can help them stay clean.
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Sleep Apnea May Trigger Nighttime Heart Attacks 2 months ago
Sleep apnea and nighttime heart attacks may be linked, according to new research. Know the signs and symptoms of sleep apnea.
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How to Talk to Someone With Dementia: New Insights 2 months ago
People with dementia may remember more than it first appears. Here's how to help them.
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Lewy Body or Alzheimer's: Do You Need to Know What KIND of Dementia? 2 months ago
Estelle Getty's death of Lewy Body Dementia illuminates a common form of dementia different from Alzheimer's.
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10 Signs Your Parent Is Struggling Financially 2 months ago
Financial problems may not be immediate apparent. Here are tell-tale warning signs that elders are feeling the need to cut back on their expenses.
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Fall Prevention: How to Stave Off Stumbles 2 months ago
Fall-prevention advice for senior caregivers.
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Prescription Addiction Part 2: (Grand)Mother’s Little Helpers 2 months ago
Prescription and other drugs are commonly abused by seniors.
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Vision-Impaired Can Enjoy Walking and Reading With New Tools 2 months ago
Seniors with low vision can keep reading and walking thanks to new low vision aids out this summer.
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For Those Who Want to Age In Place, Lots of New Choices 2 months ago
The majority of seniors want to grow old in their own homes and neighborhoods. Now, more and more communities are coming up with innovative solutions for aging in place.
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Giving up Moderate Drinking Could Cause Depression 2 months ago
Stopping moderate drinking may lead to depression. If you or your parent has to stop drinking, look out for signs of depression.
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10 Tips for Senior Care in a Rocky Economy 2 months ago
Ten tips for caring for seniors in a tough economy.
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Fraud Protection for Your Parents (and You) 2 months ago
Protect your family from fraud by using these easy tips, and avoid scammers who are sending out fraudulent stimulus checks and letters to lure seniors into giving up personal information.
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Alzheimer's Memories: Are You Recording Them? 2 months ago
Chronicling your Alzheimer's caregiving experience: the joys and benefits.
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Weight Loss: Keeping a Food Diary Makes a Difference 2 months ago
Losing weight is more effective when you keep a food diary, a new study finds.
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Over-The-Counter Driving Hazards 2 months ago
Even simple cold medications can undermine the driving abilities of elderly people.
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Prostate Cancer Therapy May Do More Harm Than Good 3 months ago
Treating prostate cancer with hormone therapy, also called androgen deprivation therapy, may not have any benefit, new research says.
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Drugs That Up the Odds of Falling Down 3 months ago
Prevent falls in the elderly by keeping an eye on the combination of drugs they're taking.
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Online Access for the Elderly? You Bet! 3 months ago
The elderly are going online at the same rate as younger people.Here's a look at new technologies that can stave off social isolation for aging-in-place elders.
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Sudden Hearing Loss Could Signal Future Stroke 3 months ago
Sudden hearing loss may be a sign of stroke, up to two years in the future. Here's what to do in the event of sudden hearing loss.
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Navigating Senior Care in a Bleak Economy: Part 1 3 months ago
Senior services face major cuts in today's sagging economy. What can caregivers can do to minimize impacts on their parents?
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Why People With Dementia Need Daily Exercise 3 months ago
Older people with dementia who exercise daily showed improvements in mental function. Simple exercises for those with dementia to get started.
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Medicare Reimbursement Mess Fixed -- For Now 3 months ago
Medicare reimbursements to doctors were increased when Congress solved a Medicare reimbursement mess, but only temporarily.
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Diabetes: Can't Get No Respect -- And Why It Should 3 months ago
Why people with type 2 diabetes -- and their caregivers -- should take the disease seriously.
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Prescription Addiction: Are Your Parents at Risk? 3 months ago
Prescription drug abuse and addiction is a growing problem among the elderly.
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Red Wine -- Or Resveratrol Pills -- May Prevent Cancer Says Strong New Research 3 months ago
Resveratrol, an antioxidant found in red wine and blueberries, may prevent breast cancer and other types of cancer.
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A Toolkit for Starting Aging in Place Communities 3 months ago
A new website, norcbluerpint.org, offers tools for seniors aging in place who are interested in starting NORCs (Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities).
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Silent Stroke: Another Reason to Get Serious About Heart Health 3 months ago
A new study showed nearly 11 percent of middle-aged participants had silent strokes. Addressing cardiovascular risk factors can decrease stroke risk.
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Yummy Soft Foods For Seniors 3 months ago
Soft food diets don't need to be bland. A growing body of cookbooks tell you how to prepare flavorful and nutritious soft meals.
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Dementia Caregivers Deserve Summer Vacation, Too 3 months ago
For caregivers of people with dementia, here's a list of vacation ideas.
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Seniors Hit Hard By Overdraft Charges 3 months ago
High banking fees are hitting senior citizens hard, but seniors can protect themselves by monitoring their account online.
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Does Older = Wiser? 3 months ago
Help for caregivers who are having conflicts with elderly parents and other relatives.
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Cancer Patients Tell It Like It Is 3 months ago
Cancer patients beg doctors to speak plainly about cancer prognosis and treatment.
June 2008
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How to Take a Vacation With Diabetes 3 months ago
How to help your parent with diabetes eat well -- and keep blood sugar and weight in check -- while on vacation.
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Brain Injuries Are the Biggest Risk When the Elderly Fall 3 months ago
Brain injuries present the biggest danger when elderly fall.
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New Fall Prevention Tools Keep Seniors Steady 3 months ago
Falls are a leading cause of injury and death among seniors. New fall prevention technology can help prevent falls among seniors.
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Parkinson's Meds Help -- But May Cause Scary Side Effects 3 months ago
A new study shows that dopamine treatments for Parkinson's can cause impulse disorders, like excessive gambling.
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Vascular Dementia Resources for Caregivers 3 months ago
Vascular dementia is the second leading cause of dementia in the US. Here's a list of blogs and resources for vascular dementia caregivers.
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"Wings" For Frail Seniors Who Can't Travel On Their Own 3 months ago
Frail seniors can still travel with a little help. Here's a guide.
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Alzheimer's Breakthrough: What It Can Mean to You Right Now 3 months ago
A cure is still far away but here's a way to further the cause.
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Your Parents' Estate: Not a Windfall Anymore 3 months ago
Our parents are living longer and are faced with astronomical expenses, which means that most of us shouldn't count on becoming huge inheritances.
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Falling Down and Feeling Down: What's the Connection? 3 months ago
Falling down and feeling down linked in elderly, say researchers from Down Under.
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Say What? Hearing Loss Common Among Adults with Diabetes 3 months ago
NIH researchers discover that hearing loss is widespread among adults with type 2 diabetes.
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Catch Ovarian Cancer Early With a Simple Symptom Screening Test 3 months ago
Catching ovarian cancer early: A new screening tool for three key symptoms can help identify 80 to 95 percent of ovarian cancer cases.
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New Legislation (and You) Can Help Prevent Seniors From Falling 3 months ago
The Safety of Seniors Act aims to help prevent falls among the elderly. Here are ways to help reduce the fall risk for your parents.
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Should Family Members Who Provide Alzheimer's Care Be Paid? 3 months ago
Paying family caregivers is controversial and has pitfalls to beware of if you go this route.
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Elder Suicide: Know the Warning Signs 3 months ago
Seniors have the highest rates of suicide of any age group. Know the suicide warning signs if someone you love is depressed or at risk.
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Help Seniors Beat the Dangers of Summer Heat 3 months ago
Tips for helping your parents avoid the risks of summer heat.
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Social Security Benefits: Getting Carded? 3 months ago
Social Security recipients will soon be able to get their monthly benefits loaded onto a pre-paid debit card. If your parents are getting their checks via direct deposit, they should probably stick with that system and not switch over to the debit cards because of the fees and hassles that come with the Direct Express debit card. But for people who wait for the postman to deliver their monthly check, the new debit card may be a better option.
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In Defense of Older Drivers 3 months ago
Statistics show that older people, in general, are safe, responsible drivers.
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The Connection Between Diabetes and Sleep Apnea 3 months ago
People with type 2 diabetes urged to get checked for sleep apnea.
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Tired No More: New Drug Can Treat Cancer Fatigue 3 months ago
New research shows that the narcolepsy drug Provigil can treat cancer fatigue.
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Help for Elderly Drivers -- On and Off the Road 3 months ago
California's Senior Driver Ombudsman program helps seniors and their families negotiate the whens and hows of giving up driving.
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Getting to the Heart of Recent Diabetes Findings 3 months ago
Making sense of three type 2 diabetes studies, known as ACCORD. ADVANCE, and the Veterans Affairs Diabetes Trial, intense glucose control, and heart trouble.
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Cash and Counseling Program Offers a Paycheck for Care Giving 3 months ago
Medicaid's Cash and Counseling Program lets recipients spend home-care benefits as they see fit -- including paying family members to care for them.
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A New, Cool, and Easy Way to Support the Fight Against Alzheimer's 3 months ago
Caring.com and the Alzheimer's Association have partnered to create a purple ribbon campaign to raise funds and awareness for the fight against Alzheimer's.
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High Gas Prices May Encourage Older Drivers to Choose the Bus 4 months ago
High gas prices may help older drivers give up their cars.
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Heartburn or Heart Attack? Women May Miss the Signs 4 months ago
Women often attribute heart attack symptoms to indigestion, stress, and fatigue. Here's a list of the less typical signs of heart attack.
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Driving: A Love Story 4 months ago
Giving up the car can be devastating for the elderly, but you can help your parents make the transition to life without a car.
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Medicare: Billing Hassles Ahead 4 months ago
Medicare patients may be in for a billing nightmare this summer. They should check with their doctors to see if Medicare coverage will be affected.