Certain types of dementia (e.g., Alzheimer’s, Lewy body, Parkinson’s and frontotemporal dementia) may affect language ability. People who have these conditions may forget the names of people and things. They could use words that mean something entirely unrelated. Sometimes, they speak in “word salad,” using a combination of words and sounds that seem to make no sense. Over time, many might stop speaking entirely.

People often think of caregiving as mostly hands-on care. It involves tasks like bathing, feeding, transferring and toileting. However, caregiving is more than caretaking. Caregiving tends to the whole person and all their needs.

RAISE (which stands for Recognize, Assist, Include, Support and Engage) focuses on providing relief to those who care for a relative or close loved one. Family caregivers don’t have to provide just personal care to qualify. The RAISE Act can help any family caregiver who provides housekeeping, financial and medical assistance.

For many parts of the country, bitter cold temperatures and icy roads keep us hunkered down at home this time of year. We may find ourselves sitting in front of the fireplace wrapped in warm, fuzzy blankets sipping mugs of steamy hot cocoa. If you’ve indulged in simple pleasures such as these, you’ve experienced “hygge.”

Finding a home care agency to watch over a parent, grandparent, spouse or another older loved one is a serious responsibility. Do you know what to look for in a home care agency to ensure you’re choosing the best for your loved one?

For many families, the holidays are the only time they spend face-to-face. While phone calls and emails are a great way to connect, it can be hard to notice changes in a person’s appearance or home that could indicate they need help.

If you visit older parents, grandparents or other relatives this holiday season, pay attention to:

Recently, my mom and I were watching the Hallmark channel and discussing upcoming gatherings and parties. By the time we started listing our to-dos for the season, we weren’t feeling the holiday spirit. It seems as you get older, the holidays become less joyous and more laborious -- cooking, cleaning, shopping, decorating, etc. Plus, if you are a family caregiver, then you’re doing the same on behalf of or for your older loved one.

This year, though, I’m going to hack the holidays and beat the system. I want my family to make memories and have fun without everyone being stressed. I can hear you shouting, “Yes, me too!”

The old adage that families only get together when there is a wedding or funeral really is accurate. The end of life, sad as it is, tends to unite families and bring them closer through their shared grief.

When there is dementia in the family, we encounter new challenges with holiday gatherings. Dad wants to tell his World War II story many times over Christmas dinner. Mom gets overheated from the cheerful fire in the fireplace and removes her shirt. 

Where you had hoped for smiles, hugs and happy chatter, instead there are shouts, tears and toileting accidents.

With the right approach, everyone can enjoy the holidays, especially the person with dementia. Keep these three important ideas in mind:

Depending on where you and your older parents live, the first touches of fall are likely happening: heavy rainfall, brisk temperatures, brilliantly hued leaves or snow dustings. Whether your parents are traveling to warmer areas or staying to enjoy the season, it’s important to ready their home against the elements.