“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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“I’m embarrassed to admit this, but I forgot to take my father for his flu shot. Is there any point in getting it this late in the season? Is there anything I can do to keep him healthy and flu-free? – Peter from Tucker

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  According to the Centers for Disease Control, the flu season typically runs through May, so it is never too late to get a flu vaccine. This is especially true for the elderly, who may be more vulnerable to the flu than other populations. Seniors with the flu are a serious concern, especially if they […]

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“My mother used to love this time of year, but now, she doesn’t get in the spirit, which I suspect is because she doesn’t feel a part of it. What tips can you give me to find ways of including seniors in the festivities that don’t feel like another chore I have to do?” – Maura from Lithonia

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  What an excellent question! It is a challenge to make your loved one feel like he or she is a part of the holiday fun without overwhelming him or her (or yourself, for that matter).  Take a moment to reflect on some of the challenges your loved one may be experiencing and then determine […]

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My father has had one UTI after another this year. His physician wants him to drink more water, but that is easier said than done. Is this just a problem in my family, or do other families struggle with seniors and dehydration?” –Gloria from Powder Springs

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When it comes to seniors and dehydration, you are not alone. As people age, their bodies do not retain as much water, which means fluid and electrolyte loss can happen quickly. Elderly people may not feel thirsty or may not recognize those cues because of dementia. If your loved one has incontinence, he or she […]

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“My mother is adamant about staying in her own home. I have a caregiver to stay with her during the week, but I am concerned about her safety when she is alone. I’ve read about some families using smart technology for seniors to monitor what’s going on. What can you tell me about this trend and how it can help?” – Suzanne from Dunwoody

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Seniors who insist on staying home can be struggling with a loss of independence, and you as well as other adult children may feel guilty or anxious about how to balance that independence with safety. If your loved one is not convinced that assisted living is the right choice, you have options to make aging […]

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