Hi Friend, When my grandmother started having trouble using her cell phone, I remember wishing there were better options to offer her. At the time, a flip phone seemed too basic, but her iPhone was too complex. She didn't need every bell and whistle. She just wanted to be able to call and/or text her family. Watching her struggle with small icons, tapping the wrong buttons, and getting confused by multiple screens was frustrating for her and stressful for all of us. Recently, Chris and I had...
19 days ago • 1 min read
Hi Friend, A new year has a way of highlighting unfinished business, especially the kind that sits quietly in a file drawer until a crisis forces it into the spotlight. If you’re caring for a loved one, this is a good time to take stock of something that often gets delayed: having the right legal and medical paperwork in place before it’s needed. Many families are caught off guard when a medical emergency or sudden decline happens. Without clear documentation, spouses and/or adult children...
26 days ago • 2 min read
Hi Friend, The holidays bring joy (and sometimes unexpected emotions) when family members see an aging loved one for the first time in months. For some, the changes in a loved one’s health or appearance can be a shock. A little preparation goes a long way. By helping friends and family understand what to expect before they arrive, you can prevent awkward comments, hurt feelings, and unnecessary stress. Prepare Family Before Holiday Visits with Loved Ones This week's featured article shares...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Friend, Bed sores, or pressure ulcers, often start small. A red spot, a bit of tenderness, can quickly become dangerous if unnoticed. For older adults with limited mobility, these wounds can form in just hours, hidden under clothing or bedding. The good news is that bed sores are largely preventable. By learning the early warning signs and taking small daily steps, you can help your loved one stay safe, comfortable, and infection-free. Featured Article: What Causes Bed Sores in Aging...
2 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Friend, With the holiday season upon us, many families spend time with loved ones they haven’t seen in a while. During these visits, small details can stand out, such as changes in eating habits, forgotten appointments, or an unsteady gait. These moments can be easy to dismiss, but they’re often early signs that extra help may be needed at home. Acting early can prevent a crisis later and help your loved one stay safe, comfortable, and independent longer. How to Tell if Your Loved One’s...
3 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Friend, The holidays are a time for connection and gratitude, but they can also bring surprises. For families who haven’t seen each other in months, spending time together may reveal changes in a loved one’s memory, mood, or behavior that weren’t obvious before. Family Gatherings Can Reveal Subtle Changes You might notice a loved one repeating stories, forgetting familiar names, struggling to follow conversations, or seeming more withdrawn. These moments may be early clues that something...
3 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Friend, November is National Family Caregivers Month. This November, we recognize the millions of people who care for aging parents, spouses, and loved ones across the country. We also want to shine a light on those whose caregiving chapter has ended. When caregiving stops, it can leave a mix of emotions like relief, grief, exhaustion, and sometimes a deep sense of “Who am I now?” Former Caregivers Describe Life After Care Recently, we asked our DailyCaring subscribers to share how they’ve...
3 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Friend, Last week, my mom had back surgery. She came home with some strict orders, including no twisting or bending. That has made even simple daily tasks, like using the bathroom, much more challenging. We set her up with the usual post-surgery accommodations, including a walker and a cane, but one new piece of equipment turned out to be an unexpected lifesaver. A bidet seat attachment. These affordable, easy-to-install attachments connect directly to a regular toilet. No plumbing or...
3 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Friend, Thank you to everyone who responded to last week's email and shared stories of life after caregiving with us. They were powerful and profound, and we're so grateful you shared them. Medicare and Skilled Nursing As a former long-term care social worker in skilled nursing facilities, one of my duties was educating families about Medicare coverage during a loved one's stay. Many families were surprised to learn that Medicare only pays for skilled nursing home care for a limited time,...
4 months ago • 1 min read