Family Caregiving

Understanding the brain and how it is impaired with the progression of dementia helps families understand dementia behaviors and find strategies that respect dignity and reduce stress.

Anyone with this diagnosis can work on some lifestyle changes that can help them function better now and if they are on a path of a progressive illness like Alzheimer’s disease, work can be done on building cognitive reserve or new brain cells called neurogenesis.

If you or a friend is a “solo senior” without family, it is very important to do some good planning for your next steps and those “what if’s” of a longer life, including considerations for housing, healthcare, and personal safety.

Not all memory loss is dementia. Getting a good diagnosis will help the family with whatever journey they are to face.

Early in my career, I developed the “Dos and Don’ts” on communicating with someone who has memory loss. As I recently reviewed those items, I realized expanding upon my suggestions of how to communicate to reduce behavioral issues could also help the individual with a memory challenge feel heard.

Helpful resources for the elderly, including information on cell phone courses, horse therapy, adaptive clothing, and staying hydrated

These three frequent issues are just a few of the questions the families bring to Professional Geriatric Care Managers who are also called “Aging Life Care Experts.”

In a new episode of Absolute Trust Talk, Linda Fodrini-Johnson, licensed family therapist and professional certified care manager, joins host Kristen Howe as they discuss how to have a talk with elderly parents about their care needs. Many of us have been reconnecting with elderly parents and loved ones for the first time in a long time. And while we may have been in touch over the phone or via Zoom, you might be surprised…

The road to determining memory care for a loved one can be challenging, but can lead to a more relaxed and supportive living situation. 

Listen to Linda's interview on Two Mike's Parkinson's Podcast, which provides humor, music, and inspiring guests to help those affected by Parkinson's. In addition to sharing tips from her book, The Empowered Caregiver, Linda speaks specifically about several issues, including Planning joyful outings for those living with Parkinson'sComplex family relationships and how they can impact the caregiving roleSelf-care for those in the caregiver roleAdvanced Healthcare Directives & End-of-life planning Click to listen to the full…