Terri Murphy

My Holiday Letter to You

December 7, 2022

| Categories: Caregiver, Family, Senior Care

The holidays can be stressful for those caring for Elderly loved ones. With Holiday shopping and preparing for large family gatherings, you hardly have time for yourself. I follow a Facebook Page called When Dementia Knocks. Elaine Eshbaugh, Ph.D., is the creator of this Facebook Blog. She is a Professor of Gerontology and gives terrific advice on Caring for a loved one with Dementia. This week she posted a letter called “My Holiday Letter to You,” which resonated with me immediately....

Happy Holidays! Tips for Safe Holiday Shopping With Your Senior Loved Ones

November 30, 2022

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| Categories: Caregiver, Events, Family, Senior Care, Senior Safety

Tips for Safe Holiday Shopping with Your Senior Loved One With the holidays upon us, we are all geared up for some Holiday shopping. When you hunt for gifts with your aging loved one, be merry and wise by implementing some safe shopping tips! 1. Spread the Joy. You may find that you have an extensive Christmas Gift List this year. Spread out the joy of shopping over several days. A full day of shopping will only wear your loved...

Home for the Holidays: Tips to Relax and Not Stress!

November 21, 2022

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| Categories: Family, Senior Care

The holiday season is upon us, and while it is a festive and exciting time of year, it can certainly bring stress. Last year, I put together the tips below to help you navigate the holidays, be mindful, and enjoy yourself. I think it's worth dusting off and resharing - as it all still rings true. I wish you all a wonderful, safe Thanksgiving, and may you take a moment (or two) for yourself! Below are four tips to help...

National Family Caregivers Month: Caregiver Concerns

November 9, 2022

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| Categories: Caregiver, Family

November is National Family Caregiver’s Month. This is organized annually by the National Family Caregiver’s association as a time to thank, support, educate and empower the many family caregivers across the country. One of the essential attributes of being a family caregiver, and an advocate for your loved one, is the willingness and the ability to speak up and keep your eye on the ultimate goal, protecting not only the health and safety of your loved ones but your own...

November is National Family Caregivers Month: The Caregiver Bill of Rights

November 4, 2022

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| Categories: Caregiver, Family

November is National Family Caregiver Month. The National Family Caregiver Association Coordinates National Family Caregivers Month as a time to thank, support, educate and empower family caregivers. Below is the Caregiver Bill of Rights created by Author Jo Horne. Caregiver Bill of Rights I have the right: To take care of myself. This is not an act of selfishness. It will allow me to take better care of my loved one. To seek help from others even though my loved...

Is Caring for a Loved One Wearing on You? Read Our Tips to Keep Your Spirits High

October 19, 2022

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| Categories: Caregiver, Challenging Diseases/illnesses/Conditions, Dementia/Alzheimer's Disease

Providing daily care for a loved one can take a toll on you. You may find it challenging to maintain a positive attitude. But a positive attitude will help you cope with your situation's stress and set your day up for success. Helen Hunter’s article on the Caregiver.com website has the following suggestions to improve your mood: 1. Learn healthy ways to manage your stress. 2. Think of Challenges to find opportunities to shine. 3. Look for the best in...

Helping Your Loved One with Dementia Live a Fulfilling Life

October 12, 2022

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| Categories: Caregiver, Dementia/Alzheimer's Disease

For people living with Dementia, participating in once-loved activities can be challenging. This can produce feelings of loss and frustration for the Dementia patient and those who care for them. By changing the focus to different activities, they can continue to lead a more fulfilling life, despite living with Dementia. When caring for someone with Dementia, we tend to focus on care that revolves around grooming and rest/sleep patterns. While focusing on those basic activities so much, it is easy...

The Benefits of Companionship

October 5, 2022

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| Categories: Family, Health

Aging is commonly associated with several health complications, from the flu to arthritis. While there are many healthy precautions that senior populations can take, there remains one risk that they should look out for loneliness. According to a report from the University of Michigan’s National Poll on Healthy Aging, one in three seniors feel lonely and chronic loneliness can impact seniors’ memory, physical and mental health, and their life expectancy. There are many ways in which companion care can help...

Mind and Body: The Connection Between Music and Brain Health

September 19, 2022

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| Categories: Caregiver, Uncategorized

There are many things you can do to exercise your brain. Exercise, having an active social life, getting plenty of sleep, and staying mentally active are just a few. Some studies show that listening to music can improve your brain health. Research has shown that listening to music can reduce anxiety and improve your blood pressure. Music can improve mood, sleep quality, mental awareness, and memory. In an article on Johns Hopkins Medicine website, the Brain-Music connection is explained: Experts...

Creating a Safe Home to Age in Place

September 7, 2022

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| Categories: Family, Health

Statistics show that most Americans prefer to age in place in their home as they get older. They prefer the comfort of their home where memories have been created and things are familiar. Here’s a list to get you thinking about some home modifications that can help your loved one stay safe at home longer and age in place. Bathroom Install grab bars or safety rails for support when getting in/out of tub/shower – never use towel racks or shower...

Author: Terri Murphy

My Holiday Letter to You

Happy Holidays! Tips for Safe Holiday Shopping With Your Senior Loved Ones

Home for the Holidays: Tips to Relax and Not Stress!

National Family Caregivers Month: Caregiver Concerns

November is National Family Caregivers Month: The Caregiver Bill of Rights

Is Caring for a Loved One Wearing on You? Read Our Tips to Keep Your Spirits High

Helping Your Loved One with Dementia Live a Fulfilling Life

The Benefits of Companionship

Mind and Body: The Connection Between Music and Brain Health

Creating a Safe Home to Age in Place

Hope

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