Taking care of someone with dementia is a big job. Depending on the stage of dementia and a loved one’s abilities, dementia caregiving can involve a wide-ranging set of challenges for both the person with dementia and the caregiver. Thankfully, technology is catching up to the unique needs of people with dementia and their caregivers. ... Read More
End-of-life is one of the most vulnerable times for patients and their loved ones. The entire situation—including the decisions and emotions—can be overwhelming. Thankfully, there is a healthcare service dedicated to helping people in these very moments of crisis: hospice care. What is hospice care? Hospice care is specialty medical care for people who have ... Read More
You’ve probably heard about practicing mindfulness before but what exactly does it mean? In short, mindfulness means that you’re focusing on being rooted in the present moment. It sounds simple enough. But just like any skill, learning to be mindful takes practice and patience. Purpose of Mindfulness Overall, the idea behind mindfulness is being actively ... Read More
Thanksgiving is a time when we show appreciation for our blessings and celebrate the bounties of delicious food with loved ones. Science suggests that it would be good for our mental and physical health to extend this practice of thankfulness throughout the year! After dealing with the coronavirus pandemic for more than three years, we ... Read More
Caring for a loved one can be immensely rewarding, but it can also bring about feelings of guilt, especially when caregivers believe they are falling short of their own expectations or those of others. Coping with caregiver guilt is important for both the caregiver’s well-being and the quality of care they provide. Here are some ... Read More
When you think of getting a vaccination shot, do you immediately remember your childhood? It’s not surprising. After all, one of Normal Rockwell’s most famous paintings is a boy waiting in the doctor’s office, looking at the posted medicine license while the practitioner readies a shot. But the truth is: vaccines protect everyone in every ... Read More
Music is a big part of life! Many of our great moments involve music; birthdays, weddings, and graduations are more enjoyable with great music. Music can invoke a special memory, change your mood, energize you, and make you want to dance. But were you aware that music may impact brain health and sleep quality as ... Read More
Many of us struggle to recall a certain word every now and then. But persistent difficulty with communication may lead to a diagnosis of a condition called aphasia. Aphasia Awareness month was in June, a great time to learn more about this condition and how it is treated. Aphasia is a communication disorder that affects ... Read More
Shirley is a 78-year-old woman who has lived an independent and active life. She raised two children on her own after her husband passed away when they were young, and she has always taken pride in her ability to manage her own affairs. However, as Shirley has aged, she has noticed that some of the ... Read More
There’s a famous song where the singer wails “All by myself…don’t wanna be…all by myself.” But being alone can bring benefits, like building empathy, productivity, creativity, and mental strength. Today, more than one in four adults over age 60 lives alone in the United States; senior women are more likely than senior men to live ... Read More
11 months ago, I was desperately in need of getting another CNA for my 86 yr. old mother living miles away. I called another agency, and they recommended that our family hire a professional guardian/care manager and recommended Barlowe & Associates. We quickly discovered that the care manager was exactly what my mother needed and was well worth it. An NFL quarterback—calling the perfect plays, initiating correct actions and handling the snaps. The care manager mastered the execution of challenging games with superb knowledge. I was amazed and impressed with her professional unbiased ability to “keep on playing.” I don’t know what I would have done without her during my mom’s final days. She made sure things were approached/handled exactly as my mother wanted.