Dr Liz Geriatrics

02/27/2026

Elders, who may be lonely and unaware of this explosion of scamming, can be particularly susceptible to those who would dishonestly separate them from their money. Almost every week, I come across an elder who has brushed up against one of these dishonest actors.

Here are some of the classic scams that I have seen directed at elders:

The Lottery: An email (or sometimes a paper letter) says you have a chance to win thousands but must send them a little money upfront. I cared for one man who sent thousands and thousands to these lotteries. He never won a penny.

Charities: Lists of people sending money to charities get circulated. Of course, there are many good causes. But many elders don’t remember when they last gave, so they send some money every time they’re asked. This can add up to hundreds and thousands of dollars.

Giveaways: If you send money or financial information, you will get a bigger reward! Except that the reward never arrives, and the elder can be out big bucks.

Be Aware! Read more about online scams on my blog: https://drlizgeriatrics.com/dementia/care/beware-of-internet-scams/

02/26/2026

One of the things I want you to know is that even if someone is in hospice, you can decide the level of intervention of treatment.

Comfort care sounds nice, of course you want them to be comfortable, but that means that they get nothing. No treatment with antibiotics if they get pneumonia or a bladder infection, they only get pain meds.

For some people, that's very appropriate if they're not enjoying their life at all. If they have no quality of life, then it's probably time for comfort care.

But for the man who said "No, I want to go home, I want to be doing bingo," to stop his antibiotics and just give him Morphine?

Luckily, his daughters, who are nurses, challenged that. They ended up finishing treating him with oral antibiotics, and he did well for another nine / 10 months.

It's important to have that discussion.

To learn more: https://www.drlizgeriatrics.com/

02/25/2026

High fashion knows no age.

02/24/2026

Caring for a loved one with dementia is a challenge that many caregivers face. It can be difficult to know what aids and support systems are available that can make their lives easier and improve the care experience.

Technical Aids:
There are several aids that can help make the task much more manageable. For example:
* Automatic pill dispensers can help ensure that the person is taking their medication on time
* Specialized emergency response systems which can help in case of a medical emergency.
* Smart home technology that allows caretakers to keep track of their loved ones via motion sensors, check-in automation capabilities, and monitoring cameras, or voice-activated reminders and calendar applications

Support Groups:
These groups assist in addressing care concerns and connecting caregivers to reliable resources, medication management tools, and training materials to help better understand dementia.

Check out our recommended resources for caregivers here: https://www.drlizgeriatrics.com/resources/helpful-links/

What resources, aids or support have you found the most useful while caring for an elder or loved one with dementia?

02/23/2026

Preventing Falls in Elders - Did you know that throughout their lifetime, approximately one in five elders will experience a fall resulting in a fracture? Falls pose a significant risk for our elders, as they are more susceptible to injuries such as isolated hip, knee, or ankle sprains, or even broken bones due to accidents.

While some may escape unscathed (fingers crossed for you or your loved ones!), it's crucial to take proactive measures. My two top tips?

* When you notice your elder becoming unsteady on their feet, prioritize a visit to a physical therapist. They can design an exercise regimen tailored to enhance balance and stability.

* If your loved one currently relies on a cane, consider transitioning them to a walker for increased stability and support.

Let's work together to keep our elders safe and secure. If you’ve just started caring for an elder or are dealing with a loved one’s recent dementia diagnosis, feel free to reach out to our team at www.drlizgeriatrics.com 🤝

02/22/2026

A hospital is a very confusing and scary place for someone with dementia.

Imagine being in that world of IV tubes, beeping heart and respiration monitors, blood draws, and uncomfortable procedures.

Now imagine that you have no idea what’s going on, why you’re being put through all this.

Frightened, the patient may become aggressive, fighting the hospital staff members who will respond by tying the patient to the bed and sedating them.

How can we do better?

Find out in Dr Liz's book: Living in the Moment. A Guide to Overcoming Challenges and Finding Moments of Joy in Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias. Get your copy today: www.drlizgeriatrics.com/Book

02/22/2026

Divorce is hard at any age. But later in life, it can be even more complicated.

When health issues, caregiving responsibilities, or dementia are part of the picture, separation isn’t just emotional, it becomes legal, financial, and deeply personal.

What happens when one spouse becomes the caregiver?
What if cognitive decline changes the relationship entirely?
How do you protect both people with dignity and fairness?

These are not easy questions, but they are important ones.

In this thoughtful article, Dr. Liz explores the realities of late-life divorce and the difficult decisions families may face.

👉 Read more here:
https://drlizgeriatrics.com/legal-issues/divorce-is-never-easy/

Because sometimes the hardest conversations are the ones we most need to have.

02/21/2026

In honor of National Caregivers Day, we want to pause and say one simple thing: Thank you.

To every family caregiver, spouse, adult child, professional caregiver, nurse, and aide - your patience, strength, and compassion matter more than you know.

Caregiving is not easy. It’s filled with long days, difficult decisions, and quiet sacrifices. But it’s also filled with love, connection, and moments that truly matter.

At Dr Liz Geriatrics, we see you. We support you. And we are deeply grateful for the care you give every single day.

You are making the world kinder, one act of devotion at a time.

With appreciation,
Dr Liz and the Team

02/19/2026

It takes a village to take care of an elder. Here are some helpful sites our families who care for loved ones with dementia have found useful. https://www.drlizgeriatrics.com/resources/helpful-links/

Which other services would you add?

02/18/2026

As caregivers, we often encounter moments where our words can either comfort or unintentionally cause distress to our loved ones with dementia. Understanding which phrases to avoid can significantly enhance our interactions and their well-being.​

Phrases to Avoid:

"Don't you remember?"
This question can highlight memory loss, leading to embarrassment or frustration. ​

"I told you already."
Pointing out repetition can make them feel self-conscious about their memory lapses. ​

"Your [loved one] passed away."
Reminding them of a death they may have forgotten can cause them to relive the grief as if hearing it for the first time. ​

"You can't do that."
Highlighting their limitations can diminish their sense of independence and self-worth. ​

Supportive Alternatives:

Focus on the present:
Engage in activities or discussions that don't rely on memory, fostering a sense of accomplishment and joy.​

Offer simple choices:
Instead of open-ended questions, provide limited options to reduce confusion. For example, "Would you like tea or coffee?"​

Use positive reinforcement:
Acknowledge their feelings and provide reassurance, enhancing their comfort and trust.​

By being mindful of our language and approach, we can create a more supportive and understanding environment for our loved ones.​

For more insights and advice on effective communication strategies check out Dr Liz's Book Living in the Moment. You can find it here: https://drlizgeriatrics.com/book/

​Your experiences matter. Share your stories or tips in the comments to support fellow caregivers.​

02/16/2026

Individuals with challenging behaviors associated with dementia may face difficulties gaining admission to or maintaining residency in certain care facilities. It is disheartening to note that many facilities may decline admission or choose to evict elders in such circumstances.

However, it is important to recognize that most of these behaviors can be effectively addressed through a combination of behavioral and medical interventions. By implementing these interventions, we can create an environment conducive to the well-being of individuals with dementia, enabling them to reside in a more comforting and homelike facility that is conveniently located closer to their loved ones.

In Dr Liz's book, "Living in the Moment: A Guide to Overcoming Challenges and Finding Moments of Joy in Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias," she delves into these situations and provides valuable insights on the available assistance and offers practical guidance on navigating the complexities of dementia care, empowering caregivers and families with effective strategies to enhance the quality of life for their loved ones.

To explore the wealth of information and support offered in this book, we invite you to obtain your copy by visiting our website at www.drlizgeriatrics.com/book/

02/15/2026

They come back every year… bigger and better.

Who said sports are just for young people? On Saturday, July 20, 2019, more than 200 female basketball players over age 50 descended upon the University of K...