Resource Library
Resources
Tips for Communicating with Health Care Professionals as a Caregiver
Caregivers for older adults often find themselves needing to play a key role as a communicator and decision-maker during their loved one’s health appointments. However, this role can often be challenging, especially when we are unfamiliar with medical terms, or feel like we shouldn’t burden health care professionals with questions they’ve probably answered a hundred times before.
Read More
Mental Health 101: Helping Your Loved One Face Changes in Mental Health
Depression, anxiety and other behavioral health symptoms can make life difficult for anybody, but especially for older adults whose behavioral changes are often dismissed as normal aging. Despite what many say, getting the “blues” is not a not a normal part of aging. This webinar will provide an overview of two common mental health concerns: depression and anxiety. In addition to learning what to look for, and when someone may need extra support, we will look at what we can do to support your older loved ones who may be experiencing a mental health concern and what resources are available.
Watch
Maximizing the Environment for Individuals with Dementia
According to the AARP, most Americans would prefer to stay in their homes until the end of their life. This statistic is no different for persons with dementia. Lack of safety and accessibility in the home are issues that need to be addressed so that individuals with dementia and their respective caregivers also have the ability to age in place. Occupational therapy professionals are trained health care providers that can provide formalized home safety assessments and recommend home modifications to increase safety and independence in the home. These efforts are also beneficial for community and business owners to consider and employ to further support individuals with dementia in the community.
Watch
Happy to Help: Supporting Older Adults in Everyday Life
Guest blogger Rocky Lopes shares experiences helping older adults in his daily life— affectionately known as "Senior Pals"— through small but impactful acts of service.
Read More
Sundowning and Dementia: What to do About Late-Day Behaviors
For those with dementia and their caregivers, the late day hours can often be a disorienting, stressful time. When the sun goes down, individuals with dementia may become agitated, restless, confused, irritable and at times even delirious—seeing and hearing things that are not there—to a greater extent than they do early in the day. This symptom of dementia is known as “sundowning” or “Sundowners Syndrome.” For individuals with dementia and their caregivers, it can be a scary, upsetting nightly occurrence.
Read More