Caring Currents Archive September 2008

  1. Second Opinions: 6 Tips to Seeking Alternative Advice October 08, 2008

    Second opinions: Six tips to getting a second opinion for aging family members....  Read more


  2. Second Opinions: If in Doubt, Seek One Out October 02, 2008

    Second opinions for seniors and when caregivers should seek a second opinion....  Read more


  3. Cancer Claims Paul Newman but His Legacy Lives On October 01, 2008

    Paul Newman died of cancer last week after keeping his illness private, leaving behind a legacy of an extraordinary life....  Read more


  4. Home Monitors Watch Over Seniors Aging in Place September 30, 2008

    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....  Read more


  5. Diaper Humor is Best Left to Those Who Know What They're Talking About September 29, 2008

    A recent discussion about humor and adult diapers points out the very thin line between offensive and funny. ...  Read more


  6. Euthanasia for End-Stage Alzheimer's? How About Humanity Instead September 26, 2008

    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....  Read more


  7. What the Financial Meltdown Means for You and Your Family September 26, 2008

    In light of the market meltdown of the past few weeks, it does make sense to reevaluate your financial situation and investment strategies....  Read more


  8. Lack of Energy: Not a Normal Sign of Aging September 25, 2008

    A lack of energy in the elderly isn't normal and may signal an underlying health concern that warrants medical attention....  Read more


  9. A Grandchild Steps in to Help Her Family: The Sequel September 25, 2008

    Caregiving by a twenty-something grandchild does wonders for her elderly grandparents....  Read more


  10. New Scoring System Simplifies Breast Cancer Treatment Decisions September 24, 2008

    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....  Read more


  11. Technological Advances Keep Seniors Safe on the Road September 23, 2008

    New technologies in the works will help keep seniors safe on the road -- and help them live independently in their own homes longer....  Read more


  12. Personal To-Do Lists That Help You With Caregiving Challenges September 22, 2008

    Caring.com launches new To-Do lists to help you navigate caregiver challenges. ...  Read more


  13. When Dementia Is "Pleasant" September 19, 2008

    "Pleasant dementia" is when a person's personality changes to being happy and in-the-moment....  Read more


  14. Medicare Hotline Leaves Callers Cold September 19, 2008

    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....  Read more


  15. Doctors' Visits: Getting the Most Out of Appointments September 18, 2008

    How to get the most out of a doctor's office visit when you're the caregiver for a loved one....  Read more


  16. Hospice: Comfort for Patient and Caregivers Alike September 18, 2008

    One family's experience with hospice during a mother's last weeks of life. ...  Read more


  17. Cancer Patients and Caregivers Hail New Anti-Nausea Patch September 17, 2008

    The FDA's approval of Sancuso, an anti-nausea patch, excites cancer patients and caregivers because nausea can sideline those undergoing chemotherapy....  Read more


  18. New Gadgets to Help the Old September 16, 2008

    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....  Read more


  19. Memory Classes: They Only Work if You Really Want to Be There September 15, 2008

    Classes to enhance memory are only beneficial if the student really wants to be there. ...  Read more


  20. Is Age Too Great an Alzheimer's Risk for the Presidency? September 12, 2008

    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?...  Read more


  21. Keeping Your Parents Safe From Scammers September 12, 2008

    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....  Read more


  22. The Case For Geriatric Care September 11, 2008

    How -- and why -- to choose a geriatrician for your aging parents' care....  Read more


  23. New Screening Technology Catches Cancer Better Than Mammograms September 10, 2008

    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....  Read more


  24. Fighting for Breath: A Mother's Last Weeks of Life September 10, 2008

    Laura Juel had to advocate for her mother during her final days to help her get pain relief....  Read more


  25. Adaptive Senior Clothing: A Welcome Solution to Dressing Challenges September 08, 2008

    Adaptive clothing makes dressing much easier for older people with arthritis, Alzheimer's, and other debilitating conditions. ...  Read more


  26. Tough Times Can Turn Seniors into Bargain Hunters September 05, 2008

    The tough economy is forcing more seniors than ever into bankruptcy, and leading many older people to find bargains available only to them....  Read more


  27. People With Dementia Need...People September 05, 2008

    The physical benefits of being social for people with dementia, and some ideas for arranging this....  Read more


  28. A Grandchild Steps In to Help Her Family September 04, 2008

    A young woman with both a big heart and streak of cynicism steps in to help her aging grandparents...  Read more


  29. Diabetes Doughnut Hole Dilemma September 04, 2008

    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....  Read more


  30. An Unpopular Idea: Worried About Cancer? Cut Back on Drinking September 03, 2008

    More studies are showing that alcohol causes cancer, yet doctors are hesitant to suggest that patients cut back on drinking....  Read more