Senior Living Blog by UMH | caregiver tips

Managing Senior Caregiver Guilt Over Nursing Home Placement

By: Elizabeth Bemis March 17th, 2021

Guilt, by any measure, is one of the most difficult feelings senior caregivers face when transitioning a loved one from home to a care facility. Family members who find themselves up against this decision do not typically go into it lightly, often laboring over the question of what’s best for the senior in their life. Many times, the move is dictated by unforeseen circumstances or newly emerged medical conditions that make it impractical to care for the loved one at home. Whatever the case, both the decision and the logistics of placement can leave a caregiver riddled with an overwhelming sense of guilt.

Helping Your Loved One Cope with Tragedy

By: Marissa Salvesen June 11th, 2016

Dealing with tragedy can be especially difficult for your aging loved one. For many older adults, loss becomes frighteningly more common throughout the aging process. Whether it be the loss of a spouse, a child or sibling, a good friend, or even a pet, these circumstances can weigh heavily on your loved one for several months.

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The Importance of Keeping Your Aging Senior Active

By: Marissa Salvesen May 14th, 2016

As you think about the best ways to care for your aging parent or loved one, one of the things you can do that will provide the most benefit in all areas of life is encouraging exercise. Being active can help your aging senior in a wide range of ways, from strengthening social relationships to improving memory and even preventing depression.

Meaningful Visits You and Your Aging Loved One Will Cherish

By: Marissa Salvesen July 2nd, 2015

Chances are, if you’re a caregiver, you spend a lot of time driving to doctor’s appointments, picking up groceries, paying bills, filling prescriptions, or helping your loved one with household chores.

How to Discuss Changing Care Needs With Your Aging Loved One

By: Marissa Salvesen June 11th, 2015

Loss of independence is a very real threat to your aging loved one. Unfortunately, as seniors age, their ability to manage previously simple everyday duties may diminish or disappear completely. "I don't need help!" What do you do when your aging loved one refuses to accept that his/her care needs are changing? These tips can help you maintain clear, open and productive lines of communication.

"When It Comes To Dying"

By: Jim Stinson June 2nd, 2015

“When it comes to dying, I’m an amateur. I haven’t done it - I think when I come to it, I will still be an amateur, somewhere between frightened and terrified.” (Sam Keen, Graceful Passages)

10 Tips for Helping Your Aging Loved One Manage Diabetes

By: Marissa Salvesen May 26th, 2015

More than 29 million Americans are currently living with diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Am I Spending Too Much Time Caring for My Aging Parent?

By: Marissa Salvesen May 21st, 2015

Caregiving is neither easy nor simple. In fact, it can sometimes feel like a relentless, overwhelming and around-the-clock job.

Questioning Your Caregiving Skills? Here’s What to Do....

By: Marissa Salvesen May 13th, 2015

If you’re wondering whether you’re up to the task of caregiving, you’re not alone: self-doubt goes with the territory. The next time you’re feeling inferior about your caregiving skills, focus on what you’re doing right: providing essential help and support for your aging loved one.

Do You Make These Simple Mistakes While Caring for an Aging Loved One?

By: Marissa Salvesen May 8th, 2015

There’s no foolproof formula for optimal caregiving. Rather, it’s a learn-as-you go experience.However, many caregivers do stumble at similar points along the way. Take a moment to consider these five common caregiving mistakes, along with steps you can take to fix them.

How to Handle the Challenges of Caregiving With 5 Easy Steps

By: Marissa Salvesen May 5th, 2015

Unpaid caregivers provide a whopping 90 percent of long-term care in the United States.