Topic: Eldercare

documents
May 9 2023

The documents caregivers need to make medical decisions

Family Caregiving

Nearly one in five adults in the U.S. is caring for another adult with health issues or other needs. If you’re providing care to parents or older relatives, one important part of that support could be making medical decisions on their behalf or helping them make informed medical decisions. The key to better caregiving is... Read More

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hearing aids
Nov 15 2022

Could over-the-counter hearing aids reduce your dementia risk?

Health Risk Management  •  By Miles Varn, MD

Hearing loss affects approximately 37.5 million adults over the age of 18 in U.S. And the severity of hearing loss increases with age, with almost 25% of people 65 to 74 and 50% of people 75 and older experiencing disabling hearing loss. Many people aren’t aware of how significant their hearing problems are, while others... Read More

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isolation
Oct 11 2022

Is isolation affecting your health?

Healthy Living  •  By Miles Varn, MD

Even before the pandemic, isolation and loneliness were growing problems that contributed to a range mental and physical health issues. Then the pandemic struck and people around the world were encouraged to separate themselves from others to slow the spread of COVID and protect their health, raising reported levels of loneliness even higher. While many... Read More

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doctor's appointments
Apr 25 2022

Caregiver tips for doctor’s appointments with older relatives

Family Caregiving  •  By Miles Varn, MD

If you’re a caregiver for an older parent, relative, partner, or friend, one part of your role may be taking the person you care for to doctor’s appointments. There are several steps that can help you be a respectful, effective advocate and supporter for your loved one. These steps also play an important role in... Read More

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older family members
Feb 17 2022

How to figure out if older family members need help

Family Caregiving  •  By Miles Varn, MD

If you see your older parents, relatives, and friends frequently, you may not notice changes in their behavior and wellbeing that could mean they’re developing issues with their cognitive or physical health and may need extra support to remain safe and healthy. This checklist can help you take stock so you can develop a plan... Read More

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Aduhelm
Feb 1 2022

Q & A: Key information about the new Alzheimer’s disease drug Aduhelm

Disease Management  •  By Miles Varn, MD

Last June, the FDA granted accelerated approval to aducanumab, which is marketed under the name Aduhelm. It’s the first new medication to treat Alzheimer’s disease that has been approved since 2003. Here are answers to some of the most common questions about this new treatment. Q: How does Aduhelm treat Alzheimer’s disease? A: The brains... Read More

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healthy aging
Aug 17 2021

What are the key strategies for healthy aging?

Healthy Living  •  By Miles Varn, MD

There’s no magic elixir that will prevent you from getting older, but by making appropriate lifestyle choices and being proactive about finding new ways to optimize your health, you can be healthier as you grow older. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s most recent update of the report, “The State of Aging... Read More

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caregiving
Aug 3 2021

The steps you should take now if caregiving is in your future

Family Caregiving  •  By Miles Varn, MD

At some point in our lives, most of us will take on the role of caregiver for a parent or older family member, spouse or partner, or close friend. The National Alliance for Caregiving’s report Caregiving in the U.S. 2020 found that the number of caregivers (defined as someone caring for an adult or a... Read More

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nursing home
Mar 16 2021

Five things to consider when choosing a nursing home

Family Caregiving  •  By Miles Varn, MD

Although it’s an emotionally difficult decision to make, more than half of older adults in the U.S. will spend time in a nursing home. Some will be there for a shorter stay to recover and undergo rehabilitation after a serious illness or injury. Others may need to stay longer if family and friends are no... Read More

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mental health issues
Jul 28 2020

Four mental health tips to combat the stress of living with extended family

Family Caregiving  •  By Miles Varn, MD

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the structure of many people’s households has changed dramatically. Campuses closed and young adults returned home and many will still be at home this fall as colleges and universities continue to limit on-campus classes. Some people moved in with family after a job loss. And some families temporarily moved older... Read More

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