Caring Strategies

07/22/2025

Living with essential tremor - Watching a loved one struggle with essential tremor can be tough—but there are ways to help. Simple swaps such as weighted utensils or slip-on shoes can make life a little easier. But just as important is finding the right emotional support.

Watching a loved one struggle with essential tremor can be tough—but there are ways to help. Simple swaps such as weighted utensils or slip-on shoes can make life a little easier. But just as important is finding the right emotional support.

07/15/2025

What is an enrichment program? - Staying engaged in activities and connected to a sense of purpose is very important to the health and well-being of older adults. This is especially true for those facing new challenges. If you need help making sure your loved one is getting the engagement they need, consider an enrichment program.

Staying engaged in activities and connected to a sense of purpose is very important to the health and well-being of older adults. This is especially true for those facing new challenges. If you need help making sure your loved one is getting the engagement they need, consider an enrichment program.

07/08/2025

When there is a cancer diagnosis - Learn what you can do to support your aging loved one during this tough time.

Learn what you can do to support your aging loved one during this tough time.

07/02/2025

Fireworks can be fun—but for someone living with dementia, they can also be overwhelming. As we get ready to celebrate the Fourth of July, here are 5 ways to keep your loved one safe, calm, and included:

1️⃣ Plan ahead
2️⃣ Choose a professional display
3️⃣ Keep them comfortable
4️⃣ Try quiet, at-home alternatives
5️⃣ Skip the fireworks if needed

With a little care and preparation, the holiday can be joyful for everyone. 💙

Tips adapted from: Alzheimer’s Society UK – “How to support a person with dementia during fireworks”
Read more: alzheimers.org.uk/blog/dementia-fireworks-bonfire-night

07/01/2025

What is a prepaid debit card? - When searching for ways to help a loved one with cognitive decline stay independent yet financially safe, consider a prepaid debit card. They allow you to manage spending while also giving the older adult freedom to shop within their means.

When searching for ways to help a loved one with cognitive decline stay independent yet financially safe, consider a prepaid debit card. They allow you to manage spending while also giving the older adult freedom to shop within their means.

06/24/2025

Helping a parent navigate widowhood - When your parent loses their spouse, both of you are navigating an unfamiliar emotional landscape. Offering a listening ear, supporting new routines, and gently encouraging social connection can help ease the transition. And as you help your parent through their grief, remember to take care of your own feelings too.

When your parent loses their spouse, both of you are navigating an unfamiliar emotional landscape. Offering a listening ear, supporting new routines, and gently encouraging social connection can help ease the transition. And as you help your parent through their grief, remember to take care of your....

06/19/2025

Another fun Caring Connections lunch today! Thank you to Country Cottage in Huntsville for hosting and the delicious lunch. Such a fun theme too!

06/18/2025

We’re so proud of Julie Smith, our Director of Operations, for serving as the keynote speaker at TARCOG’s World Elder Abuse Awareness Day event.

Julie shared simple but powerful ways to improve communication with those living with dementia — like waiting just 10 seconds for a response or using visual cues to reduce confusion and frustration.

Let’s keep working toward a more dementia-friendly community! 💜

06/17/2025

Preparing for cataract surgery - June is Cataract Awareness Month. Cataract is one of the most common visual impairments and can cause progressive vision loss in older adults. Luckily, the surgery to treat it is very safe and effective. Still, a little prep goes a long way in ensuring comfort and success for your loved one.

June is Cataract Awareness Month. Cataract is one of the most common visual impairments and can cause progressive vision loss in older adults. Luckily, the surgery to treat it is very safe and effective. Still, a little prep goes a long way in ensuring comfort and success for your loved one.

06/12/2025

Our SPARK! Curator, Dianne Pierson is one of the many advocates in Washington DC for the 2025 AIM Advocacy Forum. So glad to have such a strong advocate on our team!
Join us in showing them some love!

06/10/2025

Communicating with aphasia - June is Aphasia Awareness Month. Communication is a basic human need—but for those living with aphasia, finding the right words can be a daily challenge. When a stroke or brain injury creates problems with language, you have to get creative about ways to communicate: try gestures, drawings, even apps that can help with speech exercises.

June is Aphasia Awareness Month. Communication is a basic human need—but for those living with aphasia, finding the right words can be a daily challenge. When a stroke or brain injury creates problems with language, you have to get creative about ways to communicate: try gestures, drawings, even a...