The Emotional Side of Caregiving Join us for “The Emotional Side of Caregiving,” where we explore the often-overlooked feelings of stress, guilt, grief, and compassion fatigue that many caregivers experience. Read more
Supporting Older Adults Living with Mental Illness Mental Illness Awareness Week, recognized each October, is a time to raise awareness about mental health conditions and how they impact people of all ages. While mental illness is more often discussed in the context of younger adults, it’s important to remember that older adults also face unique challenges related to mental health. According to... Read more
How Caregivers Can Advocate for Older Loved Ones in the Health Care System If your loved one has received a diagnosis that requires extensive care, it’s inevitable that various health care systems, from their primary care provider to specialists who assist with disease-specific treatments. And while it can feel empowering to have experts on your loved one’s care team, if you have concerns about the quality of care your loved one is receiving or the way they’re being treated by the staff that works with them, it can also make you feel powerless. If something feels off, who do you turn to for help? Read more
Planning Ahead: Why Housing is Key to Aging Securely When we think about aging, we often focus on health, retirement savings and estate planning. But one of the most important and overlooked factors in aging securely is housing. Where we live as we grow older plays a huge role in our physical and financial stability and emotional well-being. Yet many people don’t consider the long-term impact of their housing decisions until it’s too late. Read more
Access to Resources in Ohio for Individuals Living With Dementia and Their Caregivers Since 2022, Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging has partnered with Ohio State University, the Ohio Department of Aging, and several other aging organizations throughout the state to develop critical resources for individuals living with dementia and their family and friend caregivers. This partnership has led to the creation of Ohio’s first Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias Statewide Resource Program, offering both virtual and in-person access to training, resources, and research on dementia and dementia care. Read more
Medicare’s GUIDE Program Improves Dementia Care for Families For families caring for someone with dementia, a groundbreaking program from Medicare has been introduced that could dramatically improve the medical and support services you receive – at no cost to you. Called Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE), this program recognizes the needs of families dealing with dementia and provides Medicare-covered medical and support services to provide individualized assistance. Read more
Assessing Travel Readiness for Older Loved Ones During the Holidays The holiday season is a time for family gatherings, shared meals and cherished traditions. When you’re caring for an older loved one, it also includes navigating the logistics of travel. While traveling can offer a wonderful opportunity for connection, it’s important to ensure that your loved one is healthy and prepared for the journey. Before booking tickets or packing bags, consider these steps to assess whether your loved one is ready to travel and how to ensure they have a safe and comfortable trip. Read more
Hygiene Tips for Caregivers: Promoting Dignity and Comfort Caring for an older adult who struggles with personal hygiene can be challenging, both physically and emotionally. Some older adults may have physical limitations that make it hard to keep up with hygiene, while others may not recognize their needs or feel resistant to assistance. In either case, the situation can easily turn difficult for caregivers if not dealt with, and the longer a loved one goes without problem care being taken, the greater likelihood that a complication will arise from an unsanitary environment. Read more
Balancing Your Caregiving: Prioritizing Self-Care While Supporting Your Loved One Caregiving is an inherently demanding role because it involves caring for two individuals: not only the person you provide care for, but also yourself. This dual responsibility makes the role uniquely challenging, requiring you to balance the needs of your loved one with your own well-being. When you introduce family dynamics into this equation, the... Read more
Practical Tips for Aging in Place with Mobility Aids Aging in place with the support of mobility aids requires a holistic approach that encompasses understanding the challenges, selecting the right aids, making essential home modifications, creating a age-friendly living space, and utilizing caregiver assistance along with financial and community resources. By implementing these practical tips, older adults can maintain their independence and quality of life in the comfort of their own homes. Read more
