Latest news with #caregiving
Associated Press
8 hours ago
- Health
- Associated Press
New Book Empowers Dementia Care Partners to Navigate Challenges with Confidence and Calm
NH, UNITED STATES, July 22, 2025 / / -- Ann Olson, OTR/L, a seasoned occupational therapist with over 25 years of experience, announces the release of her insightful new book, 'Making Peace with Dementia: An Occupational Therapist's Formula for Optimizing Care and Restoring Calm.' This 164-page guide offers families and care partners practical, empathetic tools to better support loved ones living with dementia. Grounded in Olson's extensive expertise and compassionate approach, 'Making Peace with Dementia' redefines how care partners approach their roles. The book highlights a pivotal yet surprising truth: mastering dementia care depends less on changing the individual with dementia and more on equipping care partners with practical strategies to manage and reduce stress. The guide is divided into three core sections designed to empower care partners by exploring techniques for creating calm in their loved ones, cultivating a supportive environment, and finding personal clarity and balance. Olson's conversational and relatable style makes complex concepts accessible, helping readers sustain their energy, improve communication, and prepare for the future with pragmatic expectations. 'Families caring for loved ones with dementia often feel overwhelmed and lost,' says Olson. 'This book is my way of helping them discover that by learning practical strategies and rethinking their approach, they can create a more meaningful and peaceful experience for everyone involved.' Ann Olson's professional background in treating neurological conditions, combined with her work as a dementia educator, coach, and senior living consultant, makes her uniquely positioned to offer this much-needed resource. Additionally, in 2022, Olson founded Sweet Basil Senior Care, an organization dedicated to supporting families navigating life with dementia. The book is an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to enhance their caregiving skills, reduce tension, and rediscover joy in their relationships with those impacted by dementia. 'Making Peace with Dementia' (ISBN: 9781966074953 / 9781966074946) can be purchased through retailers worldwide, including Amazon and Barnes & Noble. The hardcover retails for $29.99, the paperback retails for $19.99, and the ebook retails for $2.99. Review copies and interviews with the author are available upon request. For more information or to purchase the book, visit Amazon. From the Back Cover: Making Peace with Dementia was written for the dementia care partner who often is thrust into a difficult situation and struggles to provide care at the cost of their own health and happiness. Author Ann Olson, an expert with decades of experience in dementia care, provides you with practical, easy-to-read guidance. Her book offers insight into the changes associated with dementia and equips you with strategies to side-step conflict, communicate effectively, and enhance safety and engagement. Through real-life examples, Olson illustrates realistic and successful approaches for managing a variety of challenging situations. Numerous techniques are shared to help you prioritize your well-being and navigate dementia with greater calm, confidence and peace of mind. About the Author Ann Olson, OTR/L, is an occupational therapist specializing in neurological conditions, including dementia. Over her 25-year career, she has worked as a senior living consultant, educator, and dementia caregiver coach. Olson is also the founder of Sweet Basil Senior Care. She lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with her husband and dog, Violet. About MindStir Media: MindStir Media LLC is an award-winning book publisher. To learn more about publishing a book with MindStir Media, visit or call 800-767-0531. Michelle VanSledright MindStir Media LLC +1 800-767-0531 email us here Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
7 lessons I learned about end-of-life planning when my mother died, as a financial advisor
Melissa Shaw became her mother's primary caregiver after a sudden terminal cancer diagnosis. Shaw, a financial advisor, learned crucial lessons about end-of-life planning and caregiving. Her biggest lessons include the importance of Medigap, healthcare proxies, and life insurance. This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Melissa Shaw, a 46-year-old financial advisor in Palo Alto, California. It has been edited for length and clarity. I've been a financial advisor since 2011 and have worked at Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America, or TIAA, as a wealth management advisor for over seven years. I help clients with estate and incapacity planning, but I encountered completely different issues when my own mother became terminally ill and I became her primary caregiver in October 2024. Her diagnosis was sudden. Doctors found stage four cancer that had metastasized to her back, causing a fracture. Within weeks, my family moved her from Las Vegas to Northern California to be closer to me. She died by the end of December — it was a two-month ordeal. Becoming her caregiver was emotionally intense Initially, she seemed fine, but she declined rapidly. It was shocking and unexpected. I visited the hospital daily and took on the bulk of decision-making responsibilities. Thankfully, TIAA offers generous caregiver benefits and flexibility, and I had savings to help cover unexpected costs. I've learned many valuable lessons through this experience about end-of-life planning. 1. Medicare supplemental plans are essential Since enrolling in Medicare at the age of 65, my mom opted for a Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance) plan instead of a Medicare Advantage plan, and that decision proved vital. Her Medigap plan covered 20% of medical costs that original Medicare didn't, including any doctor or procedure approved by Medicare, without referrals or prior authorizations. Every doctor she saw was relieved she had it. If you or a loved one is approaching 65 — especially with ongoing health issues — I strongly recommend researching Medigap options during the Medigap Open Enrollment Period, when insurers can't deny coverage or charge more due to pre-existing conditions. 2. Assign a designated healthcare decision-maker ASAP My mom didn't assign a designated decision-maker, and I couldn't make health decisions for her. When her health rapidly declined in the last three weeks of her life, she became barely cognizant and luckily was able to manage a scribbled signature for a necessary procedure. I started to prepare a POA and healthcare proxy, but by the time it was ready, she was no longer mentally competent enough to sign it. She signed an advanced directive form with the hospital when she started the cancer treatment, which allowed me to make some decisions on her behalf. I learned how imperative it is to name a health proxy at any age. 3. Banking may not be easily accessible After she died, we were unable to access her bank account funds for 45 days due to a waiting period intended to protect creditors. Luckily, she had a term life insurance policy that paid out quickly to help cover immediate expenses. Additionally, she didn't name a beneficiary for the bank accounts, which is a common mistake. Many assume that checking accounts don't need beneficiaries, but even modest balances may end up in probate, which can be a significant hassle. Also, the bank was unable to share her transaction history, so I had no way of knowing which bills had already been paid. 4. Sign up for life insurance We received her life insurance proceeds quickly; all that was required was a death certificate. Clients may want to consider insurance as a liquidity measure at death to cover immediate expenses, such as funeral costs and bills. 5. Prepare for end-of-life costs I was surprised by how expensive it is to bury someone. We were quoted up to $25,000 for burial plots in California. Even cremation, which we chose, came to around $23,000 after including the niche (a final resting spot to house cremated remains) and the funeral. Prepaying or researching in advance can prevent financial issues. 6. Prepare for the difficulties of caretaking I spent many nights in the hospital with my mom. Her condition changed from day to day; it was an emotional roller coaster. Balancing work, caregiving, and my own emotional health was difficult. I'm married, and my kids were 5 and 7 years old. I wasn't seeing them regularly during the two months she was sick. Luckily, TIAA offered eight weeks of caregiver leave. Many caregivers only have access to unpaid leave through the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), so it's important to plan for potential income loss. If you can take paid leave, do it, because it's tough to balance the emotional toll it takes. 7. Wills aren't everything Wills are essential for securing guardianship and expressing personal wishes, but they don't guarantee that all your assets will be transferred correctly. Retirement accounts, such as IRAs or 403(b)s, are typically passed by beneficiary designations, rather than through wills or trusts. Many other assets are passed via trusts. You should work with both a financial advisor and an estate attorney to discuss your needs. I did the best I could, but if I could do things differently, I would've taken an official leave from work to focus solely on caring for my mother. Read the original article on Business Insider
CNA
4 days ago
- Health
- CNA
CNA938 Rewind - A Letter to Myself: Online personality Lisa Chan and her father grew together through her mental health journey
CNA938 Rewind - A Letter to Myself: Online personality Lisa Chan and her father grew together through her mental health journey Lisa Chan pulled herself back from the brink of despair when she realised how much family meant to her. Since then, she has used her online platforms — which includes a 41 thousand followers on TikTok — to advocate self-acceptance and better mental health. In many of her videos, her "co-star" is her father, Mr Chan Heng Kay, whose unassuming demeanour and unwavering support for his daughter has endeared him to her followers. Lisa's story has even been referenced in parliament, during a debate on mental health. Lisa and her father share how their relationship healed and grew through Lisa's mental health journey. CNA938 Rewind - A Letter to Myself: Caring for her brother with special needs inspired Isabelle Lee to become a speech therapist Isabelle Lee, 19, is on her way to becoming a speech therapist — a decision fuelled by her experience as a dedicated caregiver to her younger brother who has special needs. But when she was younger, Isabelle felt unseen. It's an experience that has been dubbed "glass children syndrome", when the siblings of individuals with special needs feel like their own emotional needs are being overlooked — as though they were made of glass. In this conversation, Isabelle and her mother, Janice, share how their relationship has healed and grown stronger through the challenges of caring for a family member with special needs.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
MLB player feeds his baby during the Home Run Derby—then shuts down the critic who questioned it
With the crack of bats echoing in the background and the buzz of the Home Run Derby all around him, Brent Rooker sat down on the sidelines and picked up a bottle—not a bat. The MLB outfielder cradled his 11-month-old daughter, Blake, and fed her her nighttime bottle under the bright lights of Globe Life Field, while millions watched on TV. It was a quiet moment. Intimate. Parental. And somehow, for one viewer, too much. In an event known for fireworks and fanfare, Rooker's small act of caregiving briefly stole the show—and sparked a larger conversation about parenting, visibility, and the evolving expectations around fatherhood. The criticism — and the calm clapback Not everyone saw the beauty in the moment. Shortly after footage aired of Rooker bottle-feeding his daughter during the Derby, a fan took to social media to complain. 'Hey Rooker… did you really need to feed your baby on camera? Sometimes people just want to see you play,' the fan wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter). Rooker didn't meet the comment with anger or sarcasm. Just clarity. 'Yes, it was necessary to feed my 11-month-old child her night time bottle at like 9:00 pm,' he replied. 'Thank you for asking.' That one sentence did what a thousand fiery replies couldn't: it calmly and completely reframed the moment. In that moment, Rooker was doing what parents do: caring, adapting, and showing up without hesitation. Related: The Male Privilege of Being a Stay-At-Home Dad Why this moment matters more than a bottle At first glance, it was just a dad feeding his baby. But for many watching, it was something more: a rare and powerful image of a father prioritizing care over performance—on one of baseball's biggest stages. For generations, caregiving has been framed as a maternal act—something mothers are expected to do instinctively, and fathers are applauded for only occasionally attempting. That's slowly changing, but moments like Rooker's still feel surprising. And that's the point. When a professional athlete doesn't step away from parenting just because he's under the spotlight, he disrupts an old script: that dads are providers, not nurturers; that their most valuable contributions come on the field, not the floor beside the crib. In a cross-cultural study published in the American Journal of Sociology, Scott Coltrane found that active father involvement in childcare was positively associated with women's status—a finding pointing to how caregiving reshapes gender roles. Rooker responded with calm clarity, modeling the kind of present, capable fatherhood that often goes unseen—and underestimated. Related: The scientific benefits of a father's presence in their kid's lives The radical normalcy of caregiving dads There was nothing performative about what Brent Rooker did. He didn't hold his daughter for the camera. He didn't ask for praise. He simply did what parents do all the time—juggled two priorities at once, choosing presence over optics. And yet, it still felt radical. Because as much progress as we've made, the image of a father feeding a baby at a major sporting event still stands out. In the world of professional sports, athletes are often portrayed as hyper-masculine, detached from domestic life, and wholly focused on competition. But that narrative is shifting. From NBA stars like Stephen Curry bringing their kids to press conferences, to NFL players posting diaper duty videos during the off-season, dads have been showing up. What's changing is the visibility. And this visibility matters. A research published in Journal of Family Issues points out, when men actively participate in caregiving, it challenges cultural norms and opens up space for more equitable parenting roles. What Rooker did wasn't revolutionary. But the reaction to it reminds us that there's still work to do before 'dad feeding the baby' feels as unremarkable as 'mom doing it.' Related: Dad's mental health in the first two years has a lasting impact on kids, new study shows A broader shift in sports culture Brent Rooker isn't alone. Across leagues and locker rooms, a new generation of athletes is showing that being a father doesn't pause for the game—and that masculinity can make space for nurturing, softness, and showing up. Think of Kobe Bryant, whose legacy as a 'girl dad' became as culturally resonant as his championship rings. Or NBA players like Steph Curry, who brings his daughters to press conferences and proudly shares glimpses of his parenting life. Even NFL linemen like Jason Kelce have gone viral—not for game-day highlights, but for babywearing their kids post-game. What we're seeing isn't staged. It's the real rhythm of family life. And these dads are slowly dismantling the idea that caregiving is gendered work—or something that dads must keep hidden to maintain credibility on the field. What matters isn't the novelty of dads showing up—it's the fact that in many spaces still shaped by toughness and detachment, their presence as caregivers remains rare and deeply needed. Kids don't care about home runs — they care who showed up When the Home Run Derby ended, and the buzz of the stadium gave way to the quieter moments afterward, Brent Rooker didn't walk off alone. Sitting beside him were his wife, Allie, and their two daughters—3-year-old Blair, pink headphones on and head tilted sweetly to the side, and 11-month-old Blake in his arms, fed and soothed under the lights. This is what will live in his daughters' memories. Not the score. Not the stadium. But the presence. The feeling of a father who didn't compartmentalize parenthood, who didn't push aside care in the name of competition. A father who held them close—right in the middle of it all. Rooker's presence reminded us that fatherhood isn't what you do when the cameras stop rolling. It's what you do when your child needs you, no matter where you are. And for kids, that presence is everything. Home runs are fun. But bedtime bottles and sideline snuggles? That's legacy. A win beyond the field Brent Rooker may not have won the Home Run Derby that night—but in the eyes of many parents watching, he hit the most important mark. He showed up for his child, in a moment that mattered, without hesitation and without fanfare. In doing so, he reminded us that parenting isn't always polished or planned. Sometimes it's feeding your baby in front of millions. Sometimes it's blocking out noise—literal or metaphorical—to care for the person who needs you most. This moment was a reminder: caregiving doesn't pause for big meetings, broadcasts, or milestones—it happens in real time. That emotional labor isn't bound by gender. And that love, when shown openly and without apology, can quietly reshape culture. So here's to every dad normalizing nurture. To every parent who shows up, whether the world is watching or not. And to every child who grows up knowing that love comes first—bottle in hand, heart wide open. Sources: American Journal of Sociology. 'Father-Child Relationships and the Status of Women: A Cross-Cultural Study' Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
How to help an elderly person with dementia
How to help an elderly person with dementia Older people living with dementia require ongoing support, understanding, and care. For many family members, caring for their loved one brings many responsibilities. Sometimes, it can be overwhelming. If you're caring for a relative with dementia, remember that it's OK to ask for help. This guide from Village Caregiving outlines five simple steps to care for your loved one with dementia. Understanding Dementia Dementia is a medical term used to describe the symptoms associated with the loss of cognitive functioning. It interferes with a person's thinking, remembering, and reasoning, which affects their everyday life. Around one-third of all people over the age of 85 have some form of dementia. Dementia progresses from the early stage to the middle, then to the late stage. In the early stages, individuals may experience symptoms like mild memory loss and changes in mood and behavior. However, as the disease progresses, they may face severe memory loss and become fully dependent on others for basic needs and daily functions. The progressive nature of dementia takes a toll on the family members who typically become the family caregiver. It makes caring for a parent with dementia at home more challenging and calls for ongoing support. Tips for Families Caring for a Loved One With Dementia Dementia and its unpredictable symptoms can make it challenging. Here are some tips to support your loved one to cater to their needs and yours: 1. Use Compassionate Communication Strategies Supporting a person with dementia can pose challenges for caregivers when it comes to communication. People with dementia may have trouble remembering things. They can become agitated when they can't find the right words to respond with. As their ability to process information deteriorates, their responses may be delayed and they might appear frustrated. As a family caregiver, it's important to understand that the disease causes changes in communication. Don't take any frustrations personally. Try out some of these strategies when talking to someone with dementia: Speak slower: Use a slow, steady pace when speaking so they can better process what you're saying. Speaking slower also helps you come across more clearly, leaving no room for doubt or misinterpretation. Use nonverbal cues: Nonverbal cues include eye contact, physical touch, and a nonjudgmental tone of voice. Be understanding: If you become frustrated, remind yourself that the disease is the cause of their delayed speech. Distract them: If you're having trouble communicating and feel the conversation isn't going anywhere, use an activity. Try looking through a photo album or engaging in a hobby to relieve any frustrations. Use simple language: Try to avoid complicated words and complex sentences. Since they may have trouble processing what you say, keep it as easy to understand as possible. 2. Create a Safe and Supportive Environment People with dementia typically prefer a home environment that's comforting and familiar. Any changes in the environment can cause confusion and distress. The home should also be safe, with minimal clutter and restricted access to potential hazards. Research shows that environmental design for dementia is associated with higher levels of independence and well-being for older people with cognitive, physical, and sensory impairments. Depending on the stage of dementia, the person may experience symptoms that can affect how they navigate the environment. Some things you might notice include: Forgetting how to use appliances. Getting lost on their own street. Becoming easily confused or fearful in certain household spaces. Having trouble balancing when getting up or walking up stairs. Experiencing problems with depth perception. Becoming sensitive to hot or cold temperatures. Experiencing changes in vision. As a family caregiver, you can take certain steps to make the home more comfortable and safe for your loved one with dementia. It's important to strike a balance between removing hazards and not restricting freedom. You can make these adjustments to the environment when caring for a parent with dementia at home: Remove Hazards People living with dementia may be prone to safety hazards in the home. Over 200,000 seniors visit the emergency room every year because of bathroom-related injuries, so pay special attention to this area. Here are some steps you can take to minimize hazards: Remove loose bathroom rugs, trash cans, and scales that are in the way. Lock up cleaning products, matches, and medications. Remove decorative fruits and toxic items that may be mistaken for real food. Put safety plugs into unused electrical outlets. Use stove knob covers or remove knobs when the stove is not in use. Remove weapons or store them in a locked safe. Prepare Emergency Numbers Set up the home with easy access to emergency contacts and medicines. Keep a list of emergency phone numbers in an accessible place, like on the refrigerator. Include the details for the fire department, local police, and poison control. If you have a family caregiver or other health care providers, note down their contact information as well. Clear Walkways Older adults who have experienced a traumatic fall-related injury are more than 20% likely to be diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, a type of dementia. Clearing walkways is important to prevent falls. Take these steps to make those paths safer: Install handrails, safety grips, and brightly colored markings on stairs. Remove items, like electrical cords, that they could potentially trip over. Install good lighting for better visibility. Remove rugs and curtains that may cause confusion. Secure large furniture items to prevent them from tipping over. Create Calm Spaces The home should keep the person living with dementia safe from potential hazards. It should also offer them independence and social interaction. Use familiar and calming decor to help them feel relaxed. Keep areas clear for social engagement and hobbies. Even small changes, like setting up medication reminders or labeling cupboards, can make a big difference. They can help maintain a space that aids independence while preventing panic. 3. Manage Behavioral Changes People have the same basic physical, psychological, and social needs. Dementia affects language processing and production, making it difficult for individuals to communicate or address their needs. As their family member, you may notice the following physical, psychological and social changes: How can you support a person with dementia through these physical, psychological and social changes? As a family member, you can follow these steps to help comfort and support them: Identify the trigger: What factors are causing the behavior? Could there be a need the person is trying to communicate, like boredom, pain or hunger? Note the behavior and the trigger: Keep a diary of triggers and related behaviors. This step helps you identify patterns so you can recognize and attend to their needs earlier in the future. Consider their emotions: You may know your family member well enough to tell what their emotions are in the triggering situation. Are they embarrassed, under-stimulated or perhaps scared? Remain calm: Try to maintain a calm demeanor and avoid confrontation when handling the situation. Focus on their best interest and offer empathetic support. If you feel stressed out or agitated, take a minute and clear your head before trying to resolve the situation. Seek professional help: If you find yourself unable to calm them down and resolve the situation, call a professional. A specialist will have the knowledge and experience to identify triggers and address their needs, giving you a chance to rest. They can de-escalate things and get the person the help they need. 4. Promote Cognitive Stimulation Cognitive stimulation (CS) is a type of mental exercise developed specifically to help people with dementia engage in activities that stimulate thinking and memory. When caring for a parent with dementia at home, it's crucial to provide them with these activities as early on as possible. CS involves structured activities tailored to the individual's unique interests. As a family member, you might know what the person is passionate about. The point of these activities isn't just to fill time. It fills their cups with things they love doing while enhancing memory and concentration. Here are some examples of activities you can try, but note that it's best to try these under a professional's supervision: Cooking: Does your family member with dementia love cooking? Preparing simple recipes can offer them valuable cognitive stimulation while doing something they love. Closely supervise them and follow kitchen safety rules for older adults with dementia. Be wary around the stove as they may forget that it's been switched on. Following a simple recipe can help exercise memory while providing opportunities for creativity and happiness. Crafts: If the individual likes creating art, then painting, drawing or knitting might be a great idea. Ensure they have the physical capacity to fulfill these tasks. Otherwise, they may just become frustrated by their lack of grip strength or mobility. Choose simple designs that will be easy for them to master and create a sense of accomplishment. Organizational tasks: Is the person into organization? Activities like stacking, packing, and categorizing items offer simple tasks that can bring them joy and engage their cognitive skills. Avoid using objects that are too heavy, sharp or potentially hazardous. Games: Puzzles, crosswords, and board games offer cognitive stimulation. They also relieve some of the loneliness that comes with this disease. The social aspect and fun of the game can help people with dementia who may be feeling anxious or depressed. 5. Embrace Self-Care As a family member, caring for your loved one with dementia is a true act of selflessness. It often leads to sacrifices, financial strain, social withdrawal, and sometimes family conflict. Know that it's OK to take a break and pay attention to your priorities. You can't pour from an empty cup. If you ignore your own feelings and priorities, you may experience caregiver burnout, which can lead to fatigue, social isolation, and irritability. Implement stress-reduction techniques like meditation, yoga, and exercise. Ensure you're well-nourished and make time to partake in activities that bring you joy. Don't hesitate to ask for help, whether from other family members or hiring in-home care for dementia. If possible, schedule days when other family members can take over. You can also hire day care services where the individual living with dementia can get access to professional care, while you can enjoy some time to yourself. The Benefits of In-Home Care for Dementia In-home care for dementia can offer the one-on-one attention the individual needs. The family can still provide their support and attention, but they will be relieved from the complexities of care that can cause burnout. It doesn't mean that you don't care — it shows just how much you do care. As the disease progresses, the person with dementia may experience cognitive decline and mobility issues that call for professional intervention. Some benefits of professional care for people with dementia include: Consistent care: In-home care provides consistent monitoring of the individual's health status. Professionals are alert to changes in mood and behavior and can offer early intervention. Medication management: Research shows that medications for dementia have benefits that last through the later stages of the disease. Professionals can ensure that the person takes their medications on time, helping the patient reap the benefits. Personalized care: In-home care gives the individual personalized attention. The professional is fully attuned to their needs at all times. Familiarity and socialization: A consistent in-home family caregiver creates a sense of trust and familiarity for the person. It also opens up the chance for friendship and socialization, relieving some of the loneliness that can come with dementia. Remember, You Can't Help Your Loved One Without Helping Yourself There are steps you can take as a family member to care for and support your loved one with dementia. You can create a more comfortable living space, provide stimulation, and use proper communication strategies. It's just as important to take care of yourself. Call in-home care for support when you need it, and don't hesitate to take time off so you can fill your cup. This story was produced by Village Caregiving and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
