“My mother has been complaining about pain for a few weeks from a rash she had. The rash is mostly gone, but she doesn’t seem to feel much better. I assumed it was heat rash because of the warmer temperatures, but now I don’t know what to think. I hate to put her through the hassle of going to the doctor for a disappearing rash. What do you think?”- Carrie from Conyers

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  A trip to the doctor is in order to diagnose and treat your mother’s discomfort. It does sound quite a bit like shingles, which affects many older Americans. At least fifty percent of people will experience shingles by the time they reach the age of eighty, although it can also affect younger adults, so […]

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“Lately, my mother has been giving in to temptation, and she is definitely putting on weight. She is having trouble fitting in her clothes, but buying new things is not the problem. I am more worried about what she is doing to her health. What can I do to help her?” – Marcy from Lilburn

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  This is a tricky one because few concerns are quite as personal as one’s weight. You are dealing with more than just a number on a scale when it comes to seniors and obesity, and you should definitely address your concerns with tact and sensitivity. Here’s a little background to help you deal with […]

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“Whenever I take my father to the doctor, he clams up! I don’t understand why he’ll tell me what is bothering him, but he refuses to talk about it with his physician. I am worried he isn’t giving his doctor enough information to get the help he needs. Do you have any advice?” – Sheldon from Tucker

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You are not alone; many older people do not share much information either with their doctors during an exam or with their families concerning their health or prescribed treatment. Older patients grew up in a time when doctors were authorities who examined patients from top to bottom to look for any symptoms. Today’s doctors do […]

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“Help! We just moved my father into an assisted living facility, and he can’t keep the ladies away! I don’t even want to think about him having a new relationship at his age. What should I do?” – Pamela from Snellville

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  Thinking about a parent’s love life rarely makes adult children feel comfortable, yet you know that romance and intimacy is a normal and common aspect of being an adult. Currently, there are at least seven dating sites that are geared to the over 50 crowd, so it seems that many seniors, and not just […]

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“The holidays are over, but I am still exhausted. I wish I could just take a little break from my responsibilities as caregiver, but who will take care of my mother if I do? I know respite care is an option, but I don’t really understand what it does. Can you explain how respite care can help me?” – Carole from Fair Oaks

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Being a caregiver typically means you are on the job day and night without a break. While you may enjoy the time you spend with your loved one, you still deserve a break to tend to your own needs or just relax. You are more than just your role as caregiver, and if you do […]

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“Sometimes, I wonder how if I can handle one more day with my aging parents! Am I experiencing caregiver stress? How do I know and what can I do?” – Patti from Stone Mountain

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If you think you are struggling with caregiver stress, you are probably right! When you are trying to cope with your aging parents and meeting their needs, you are less likely to make yourself a priority. Neglecting yourself can impact your ability to provide care, and it can also lead to health problems of your […]

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“I’ve been dragging my feet about the flu vaccine this year, and now it’s almost winter! Is it too late to get my mother vaccinated? Does it really matter?” – Jocelyn from Vinings

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Yes, it does! Flu season typically lasts from October to May in the US, and according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), people over 65 are at the highest risk for serious complications. In fact, almost 90% of the flu-related deaths that have occurred in the past few years have been in the elderly […]

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“I keep hearing about Medicare enrollment, but I don’t really understand much about it. How do I know if my mother has the right coverage?”-Robert from Norcross

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  Making sense of Medicare can be a challenge for most people, but the annual election period is actually a good opportunity for you to review your loved one’s coverage to ensure you have adequate protection. It’s helpful to know what the different parts mean as well as what exactly Medicare enrollment is. You should […]

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“Whenever I visit my parents, my father seems more confused and irritable than ever before. How do I know if he is suffering from depression or dementia?” – Leigh from Mableton

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“My father seems to get skinnier every time I see him. What can I do to make sure he is eating properly and getting enough nutrients?” – Rhonda from Sandy Springs

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This is a tricky situation. You want to respect the dignity of your elderly loved one, but you also need to make sure that malnourishment is not an issue. Consider some of the causes for lack of appetite as well as ways to address nutrition concerns and the elderly. What Do You Mean, You’re not […]

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