Supporting Older Adults Living with Mental Illness Mental Illness Awareness Week, recognized each October, is a time to raise awareness about mental health conditions and how they impact people of all ages. While mental illness is more often discussed in the context of younger adults, it’s important to remember that older adults also face unique challenges related to mental health. According to... Read more
The Emotional Side of Caregiving Join us for “The Emotional Side of Caregiving,” a special Lunch and Learn event where we’ll explore the often-overlooked feelings of stress, guilt, grief, and compassion fatigue that many caregivers experience. Participants will discover practical strategies for managing stress and maintaining emotional balance. Read more
Ask the Expert: Understanding Dementia Care Learn the stages and challenges associated with this progressive disease, as well as develop compassionate strategies to improve communication, maintain physical and emotional care, and manage unexpected behaviors. Read more
How Caregivers Can Advocate for Older Loved Ones in the Health Care System If your loved one has received a diagnosis that requires extensive care, it’s inevitable that various health care systems, from their primary care provider to specialists who assist with disease-specific treatments. And while it can feel empowering to have experts on your loved one’s care team, if you have concerns about the quality of care your loved one is receiving or the way they’re being treated by the staff that works with them, it can also make you feel powerless. If something feels off, who do you turn to for help? Read more
Managing Life After a Serious Diagnosis Hearing a diagnosis of a serious disease or chronic condition—such as cancer, dementia, Parkinson’s or advanced heart disease—can be one of the most overwhelming moments in a person’s life. For many older adults and their caregivers, the moment is followed by what some describe as “diagnose and adios,” where medical staff provide the diagnosis but little in the way of ongoing guidance or support. Suddenly, you’re left with questions, uncertainty and a need to navigate unfamiliar territory without a clear map. Read more
Recognizing and Treating Sleep Apnea in Older Adults Does your loved one snore at night? Are they often drowsy during the day? Have they developed balance issues, slower thinking, or experienced anxiety or depression? These symptoms may point to more than just aging—they could be signs of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), most commonly known as obstructive sleep apnea. Read more
19th Annual Katz Policy Lecture: Advancing Dementia Caregiving The 19th annual Katz Policy Lecture examines groundbreaking research and innovations in dementia care. Dr. David Reuben, Archstone Professor at UCLA and leading expert on aging and dementia care, discusses comprehensive dementia care, provides updates on the Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) payment model, and presents findings from the Dementia-Care Study (D-CARE), Lastly, Dr. Reuben highlights future directions in dementia care policy and research. Read more
Identifying and Addressing Food Insecurity in Older Loved Ones As a caregiver, you want to ensure your loved one is not only safe and comfortable, but also well-nourished. Yet for many older adults, consistent access to nutritious food can be a challenge. Food insecurity—the lack of reliable access to enough affordable, nutritious food—affects millions of older adults across the country. According to Feeding America, approximately 1 in 14 seniors faces food insecurity. Read more
Why Mental Health Counseling Matters for Older Adults May is Mental Health Month—a time to raise awareness and reduce stigma about mental health challenges that affect people of all ages. While mental health concerns are often associated with younger populations, older adults can and do experience depression, anxiety, grief and stress, especially during life transitions like retirement, the loss of a spouse or changes in health. Read more
Understanding FTD: Diagnosis, Support and Resources for Patients and Caregivers In this webinar, you'll learn about the signs and symptoms of FTD, how it’s diagnosed, and the specific needs of both those living with FTD and their caregivers. We also highlight helpful resources and support services for GUIDE and non-GUIDE providers, offering valuable insight to better support patients and their families on their individual journeys. Read more
