Blog

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Is this Alzheimer’s?

A concern we frequently hear from family caregivers is that they don’t know how to tell if the changes they see in the person they care for are a normal part of aging or Alzheimer’s disease. Loved ones often rush to the conclusion that their family member has Alzheimer’s when they exhibit one of the behaviors… Read more »

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The Emotional Side of De-Cluttering

We previously shared tips to help those who may be helping a senior loved one de-clutter their home. We focused on how to get started and shared tips for making the process go more smoothly. Now let’s tackle the emotional side of downsizing. Listening and Sharing Memories as You De-Clutter a Senior’s Home As you work… Read more »

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Dealing with Emotional Loss

I am the primary caregiver for my aunt. She is my late-mother’s sister, and we have always been close to her. A few months ago, her husband of almost 50 years passed away unexpectedly, leaving her on her own for the first time. Within a few weeks of his funeral, we realized she just isn’t… Read more »

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Questions to Ask at a Senior Rehab Care Conference

When someone is staying at an inpatient rehab center, it’s natural for their loved ones to want to be kept in the loop and informed of their parent’s or loved one’s progress. Family communication at a physical therapy center is a vital part of the healing process. A good rehab center will make sure it’s easy for you… Read more »

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Guide to a Heart-Healthy Lifestyle

February is well known for being American Heart Health Month, a yearly awareness campaign created to alert people of the risk factors for heart-related illnesses and encourage them to take steps in protecting their heart. Optalis participates in various ways such as helping to educate adults on the disease and preventative ways to potentially reverse… Read more »

Bowl of oatmeal with blueberries and a glass of orange juice

Staying Heart Healthy at Home

Dear Tacy: My parents are both retired and starting to slow down a bit. I’m a little concerned that their more sedentary lifestyle is putting them at risk for heart problems. Do you have any tips you can share on how to keep your heart healthy as you grow older? Ruth Dear Ruth: I do!… Read more »

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How’s the Food in Rehab?

My mother is having her knee replaced, and she will be staying at an Optalis rehabilitation facility to recover. However, she is an extremely picky eater. I’m concerned she won’t like the food and will be miserable during her stay. Yours Truly, Cynthia Choose the Food You Like at Rehabilitation Centers Dear Cynthia, Your mother… Read more »

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What is Congestive Heart Failure

We sat down with a local Heart Specialist about Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) to answer some of your top questions including causes, symptoms, prevention and more. Check out the questions and answers below to learn more about CHF. What causes Congestive Heart Failure? CHF represents symptoms caused by injury to the heart. The injury causes… Read more »

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Providing Long-Distance Care for My Aging Parent

Providing care for a loved one from afar doesn’t have to be a challenge. With these tips, you can develop a meaningful long-distance caregiving relationship with your parent or loved one that will be rewarding for everyone. Let’s get started! What is Long-Distance Caregiving? Providing care from a distance of more than an hour is… Read more »