When caring for someone you love, it can feel like everything rests on your shoulders. Driving to appointments and errands, helping with daily tasks and activities, managing their personal and financial responsibilities, and being a constant source of companionship and love – these duties can take their toll on even the most dedicated caregivers.

During the winter months, the cold and flu are at the forefront of everyone’s mind. Especially after coronavirus, people are more mindful than ever to wash their hands, avoid touching their face, and sanitize surfaces to prevent catching germs and bacteria that may cause the flu or a cold.

While some families are fortunate to live close to each other, we know others may be more spread out. Jobs, partners, and new opportunities can take us to new cities, states, or even countries.

When the lifestyle of a parent or loved one indicates that they may need additional support, many family members are quick to take on the responsibility themselves. For many, it’s a no-brainer that they should care for the person who cared for them for so many years. While this proposal is compassionate and admirable, many people don’t realize the costs and sacrifices of caregiving, including financial, mental, and physical.

Everyone likes to go on fun outings. Not only are they entertaining, but there’s research that shows getting out of the house more often can increase a senior’s quality of life. Even though this is true, a recent study found that more than 2 million older adults (about 5.6% of the senior demographic) are homebound, making them more at risk for depression, anxiety, and physical health concerns due to lack of exercise.

When you start a new job or career, you’ve probably had experience with similar roles before. You’ve likely gone through several interviews, had sufficient training, and typically have a good idea of what to expect in your new position.

School drop-off. Client meetings. Doctor’s appointment with mom. School pick-up. Finish that work presentation. Pick up dad’s medication. Cook dinner. Help with homework. Go to sleep. Repeat. 

Pretty hectic day, right? It may seem like this chaotic schedule doesn’t occur in real life and only exists in comedy sitcoms. But, in reality, this could be a typical day for someone in the sandwich generation - those who take care of their children, their aging parents, and (when time permits), themselves.

It can be challenging to find the perfect gift for someone you love. What do you get for someone who has everything, or for someone who wants nothing? Or, in the case of your older parents, what do you get for someone who has received a lifetime of gifts, or may have a different idea of what a “good” gift is?

Dementia is a term used to describe a variety of symptoms that affect a person’s cognitive function, which can impact their ability to communicate, think, reason, remember, and more.

When caring for an elder loved one, it can be difficult to realize whether or not they are showing signs of needing medical attention. A common misconception is that anytime an older adult experiences certain symptoms, it is simply a sign of aging. Ignoring certain symptoms, such as loss of balance, memory deterioration, and loss of appetite can pose to be extremely dangerous. Luckily, there are various methods for figuring out if your loved one requires any medical attention.