You Won't Know What You Don't Know...

At the risk of sounding too much like Yogi Berra (famous catcher for the Yankees), when it comes to caring for aging parents and loved ones, you won't know what you don't know until you know it.

We learned very quickly when we had children that they don't come with an instruction book. Parenting is about winging it most of the time, and sharing your successes and failures with your peers.

In the same way, aging loved ones don't come with instructions either. And many of the predicaments can be much more difficult to maneuver. In many ways it becomes even more important  to network with friends, family, co-workers, etc. to learn what they know that once they didn't know they needed to know either.


This is just one of the reasons I wrote the book The Everything Guide to Caring for Aging Parents; to share my experiences from both sides of the fence. As a home health and hospice nurse for over 30 years, I think I've seen and helped families cope with almost every scenario. And as a daughter/daughter-in-law with aging parents, I have lived through many of these experiences myself.  I hope you find it helpful!

Yogic Meditation Reduces Caregiver's Depression and Risks

Researchers at UCLA recently noted that caregivers caring for elderly with Alzheimer's dementia can improve their cognitive function and lower their own depression and mental and physical health risks and issues through a specific yogic meditation called Kirtan Kriya. 

By practicing this meditation researchers "found that meditation from yoga can help lower depression in caregivers, and may also improve their cognitive functioning. The researchers even found that the meditation was associated with a decrease in cellular aging from stress."

Happy 4th!

Wishing everyone a happy safe and sane 4th of JULY as America celebrates another birthday!

Aids to Help Keep Aging Family Safe and Active

There are a multitude of items available on the market to assist aging people remain as independent and safe as possible. One of the better inventions is the rolling walker with the seat. Sometimes I want to borrow my mom's if I'm going to be somewhere where I need to stand for a long period of time. 

Be aware though that it's not a device to lean back and take a nap. Mom slid right out and on to the floor when she decided to just lean back and relax. Wasn't hurt, but surprised her.

Some of the other great tools include an "Economy Aluminum Shaft Reacher" for grabbing things from high spots, or picking up the newspaper off the ground. "Sock and Stocking Aid with Cord Loop" is great for putting on socks when the body just won't bend like it used to.

Raised toilet seats, commode chairs, bathtub benches, grab bars, gait belts, over bed tables,  hoyer lifts, overbed trapeze bars, hospital beds, tab alarms, wheel chairs, and a large variety of incontinence supplies (diapers, pullups, chux) etc. are widely available to help with the safety and Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) for our aging family and friends.


It may not be an App, but if there's a need, there's a device to help keep your loved ones active and safe.

Find a Hearing Specialist near you for your loved ones with Healthy Hearing.