“Am I right to assume you don’t hear much about seniors with high blood pressure? My father was just diagnosed, and I didn’t realize it was a big deal at his age. Why should we be concerned about hypertension in the elderly?”—Joseph in Dunwoody

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I understand your point; it does seem that people are usually younger when first diagnosed, but according to the American Heart Association, the risk for developing high blood pressure does increase with age. It’s also seen more often in men until women reach menopause; at around 55-64, men and women have the same risk of […]

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“Every year I want to make resolutions to improve myself, but being a caregiver always gets in the way. Is there any hope that I can make a change this time without feeling guilty?”—Wendy from Smyrna

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  I’m not a huge fan of resolutions because people tend to put too much pressure on themselves to set huge and often unattainable goals. Life as a caregiver is hard enough as it is without making yourself feel like you are not good enough or deserving of happiness. That being said, there are several […]

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“My mother has always had a sweet tooth, but lately, I can’t seem to get her to eat anything but sugary snacks. I am worried this sugar addiction could lead to diabetes. Can that happen, and if so, is there anything I can do to prevent it?” – Margaret from Suwanee

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You are right to be concerned about your mother’s sweet tooth; in fact, many seniors do tend to prefer sweets over more savory foods, thanks to a loss of sense of smell and taste as we age. The preference for sweets, if unchecked, could potentially lead to a prediabetic condition or type II diabetes. According […]

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“The older my father gets, the more unsteady he is. If he falls, I don’t think I could get him up by myself. I wish I knew how to help him improve his balance, so he stays on his feet!” – Jarrod from Country Lake

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Preventing falls is a priority for caregivers and families, and you make a good point about the importance of balance. Healthcare providers tend to focus on the falls, but sometimes overlook improving balance as a part of the equation. And because falls are one of the leading causes of injury and death in seniors, it […]

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“My best friends’ mother was just diagnosed with macular degeneration, and now I’m worried my mother may be next. Is there anything we can do to keep Mom from going blind?” – Candy in Holly Springs

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I can understand why you would be concerned about your loved one developing macular degeneration; after all, it is the leading cause of vision loss in people over 50. According to The National Eye Institute, the number of people diagnosed with MD is expected to exceed five million by 2050. Those staggering statistics mean that […]

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“Even when it’s as hot as an oven, my mother keeps the windows closed and bundles up in a sweater, and then she complains about feeling sweaty and clammy. Help! I don’t have the patience to deal with her, and I am worried she is going to get overheated.” – Dawn in Kennesaw

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  With the temperatures hovering in the 80’s and 90’s for days on end, it’s no wonder that you are concerned about your mother’s safety. Seniors are at risk for heat-related illnesses such as dehydration, heat exhaustion, heat syncope (fainting), and heat stroke. Why is it such a big concern?  The elderly are disproportionately affected […]

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“Lately, it feels like I am the only one going to visit my father at his assisted living facility. I know he would appreciate having visitors, even if he can’t always follow the conversation or contribute. How can I convince my siblings that they need to step up and go see him regularly?” – Mary Ann from Fair Oaks

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I can imagine you must feel frustrated with your family for not making more of an effort to stay connected to your father. People have several reasons why they don’t make time for a visit: they may be too busy, feel like they have nothing to say, or even find senior living facilities uncomfortable. Unfortunately, […]

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“My mother has recently been diagnosed with dementia, and I’m worried that her living arrangement isn’t safe. Can you explain the advantages of memory care and if it can help my mom?” – Tina from Embry Hills

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First, I want to assure you that you are not alone; according to the Alzheimer’s Association, over 5.7 million Americans suffer from Alzheimer’s, and that number does not include other forms of dementia. When your loved one has progressive memory loss, it can be overwhelming for you as a caregiver and for your entire family […]

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“I know I am lucky that my mother is alive when so many of my friends have lost theirs, but I sometimes wish I didn’t have to do so much for her. I can’t go out of town or take a day for myself without her needing something. I don’t know which is more of a problem, the exhaustion or the guilt! Do you have any advice to share?” – Cheryl from Sandy Springs

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  Let me assure you: many people who act as primary caregivers for their elderly parents or loved ones experience caregiver guilt at some point. It may be due to a demanding senior who doesn’t recognize the other responsibilities you have in your life. It could be caused by a sense of perfectionism, making you […]

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“I love my father and want to take care of him, but I just can’t do it alone anymore. I live closer to him than do my brother and sister, and they don’t understand how much work it takes to do everything he needs. How can I get them to help me or at least give me some support even if they can’t pitch in?” – Joan from Westfield

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  Providing care for your loved one can be overwhelming, and if you try to do it by yourself for too long, you can become stressed and eventually burned out. There is no reason for you to feel that way because you can always pull together a care team for seniors to take some of […]

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