Getting a Parent With Dementia the Best Long-Term Care for the Money

Liz Kozlowski and her staff at Brookdale Senior Living’s Westlake Village, outside of Cleveland, knew that resident Ed Petrigac and his wife Yvonne had started an auto parts business. But it wasn’t until they read his life story that they realized he a… Continue reading

Delirium Isn’t ‘Just Part of Getting Older’

(Editor’s note: This story is part of a series for The John A. Hartford Foundation.) As many as half of hospital patients age 65 and older develop delirium. Once thought of as something ordinary — something that “just happens” to people as they get old… Continue reading

OPINION: It’s Time to Make the Elder Justice Act More Effective

Ageism can creep into public policy and negatively affect millions of older Americans. A prime example: the nation’s failure to prevent elder abuse despite the upcoming 10th anniversary of the bipartisan Elder Justice Act in March 2020. Passing that la… Continue reading

How Young Volunteers Step Up for Caregiving Programs

Why would a 20-year-old want to hang out with an 80-something? It’s not as strange as you may think. Maybe the older man reminds a college sophomore of her grandfather. Or, there’s a connection between the elderly woman with dementia and a grad student… Continue reading

Photo Essay: Three States. Three Caregivers.

(Editor’s note: This story is part of a series for The John A. Hartford Foundation.) If you care for a parent or loved one, you almost certainly interact with doctors, nurses and other staff at hospitals, clinics or assisted living facilities. Dependin… Continue reading

2020 Election: How Amy Klobuchar’s Health Plan Could Help Family Caregivers

Sen. Amy Klobuchar, one of two dozen Democratic candidates for president in 2020, has not become a breakout star. But the Minnesota senator is one of the few hopefuls who released a plan addressing concerns of older adults and family caregivers, as wel… Continue reading

The Benefits of Hiring a Companion for an Older Adult

More than 34 million family members and friends in the United States provide care to older adults, according to the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP. Caregiving covers a wide gamut of responsibility, though. It can range from simply touching b… Continue reading

How to Avoid Compassion Burnout

Caregivers, both professional and personal, often suffer from compassion fatigue — a syndrome also known as “secondary trauma stress.” But navigating any close, personal relationship also can lead to emotional stress and burnout. As a self-described fo… Continue reading

3 New Alzheimer’s Studies’ Goal: ‘Preparing Us for a Cure’

George Vrandenburg, the co-founder and chairman of the UsAgainstAlzheimer’s advocacy group is a man on a mission. And he is in a hurry. He’s not prepared to wait until 2025, the federal government’s deadline to recommend next-step solutions for Alzheim… Continue reading

This Activities Program Engages and Calms People With Dementia

For people with dementia, having nothing to do can contribute to agitation, frustration and a feeling of loss of control and well-being. It is a situation family caregivers often encounter. Laura Gitlin, distinguished professor and dean of the College … Continue reading