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Our monthly newsletter is filled with practical tips for families caring for an older relative.
Help yourself to this archive of our back issues. And tell a friend!
Holistic HomeCare Associates is here to support you in the important work that you do!
2023
October/November 2023
- Care Manager's Corner — Anne Sansevero, RN, MA, CCM, GNP
- RN Spotlight
- Helpful tips for family caregivers
- Physical therapy and pain relief
- Curbing your perfectionism
- Affordable funerals
September/October 2023
- Care Manager's Corner — Anne Sansevero, RN, MA, CCM, GNP
- Caregiver Spotlight
- Helpful tips for family caregivers
- Caring as a stepfamily
- Senior move managers
- Frontotemporal dementia (FTD)
August/September 2023
- Julia Horton Appointed Director of Operations
- How is your relative's "social health"?
- Low-vision bathroom
- Adjusting to memory care
July/August 2023
- Bringing the hospital home
- What is "healthy selfishness"?
- Dementia: Packing for a trip
June/July 2023
- Dementia: Is travel realistic?
- Senior bullying and exclusion
- Meaningful end of life conversations
May/June 2023
- Cancer screenings covered by Medicare
- Moving to memory care
- Tinnitus: Ringing in the ears
April/May 2023
- RN Spotlight
- Do you strive for perfection?
- Pillbox 2.0
- The care plan and meeting
March/April 2023
- Calling a family meeting
- Early-onset Alzheimer's
- Choosing a meal service
February/March 2023
- Home modifications for vision loss
- Is it time for memory care?
- If you are not the primary caregiver
January/February 2023
- Are you the primary caregiver?
- The yearly "Wellness Visit"
- Where are the paid caregivers?
2022
December 2022/January 2023
- Healing torn relations
- Dementia and small children
- Dry eye syndrome
November/December 2022
- Honoring family caregivers
- Suppose they don't get better ...
- Not taking meds as directed?
October/November 2022
- October is National Crime Prevention Month
- Putting anticipation to work for you
- What is Lewy body dementia?
September/October 2022
- Caring with a stepparent
- Could medicines be the culprit?
- Who is who in skilled nursing facilities?
August/September 2022
- When grandpa has dementia: Teens and tweens
- The doctor interview
- Noncancer screening tests
July/August 2022
- Senior centers: Worth a fresh look
- Combatting dehydration
- Dementia and finances
June/July 2022
- Text message scamming: "Smishing"
- Does brain training work?
- Swollen legs and feet
May/June 2022
- Living with cancer as a chronic condition
- When you envy others
- Primary care providers
April/May 2022
- Cooking tips for the visually impaired
- Organ donation
- Poetry and dementia
March/April 2022
- Psychological first aid
- Caregiving apps
- "Chemobrain"
February/March 2022
- Signs of an online "sweetheart scam"
- Protecting the house from Medicaid
- Reducing the nausea of chemo
January/February 2022
- Friends? Who has time?
- Need a new doctor?
- When your relative is actively dying
2021
December 2021/January 2022
- Private pay services for care at home
- Hearing the TV better
- Writing the last chapter
November/December 2021
- The special needs of Vietnam-era vets
- Help at home: Community programs
- Holidays without your loved one
October/November 2021
- Is Medicare Advantage the best choice?
- Depression after a scary diagnosis
- Too many pills: When less is more
September/October 2021
- Not all socks are created equal
- Dealing with anxiety
- Services at home: Medicare
August/September 2021
- Learning to forgive yourself
- What is a daily money manager?
- The decision to stop dialysis
July/August 2021
- What’s involved in giving care?
- What is a Medicaid spend down?
- Bladder issues
June/July 2021
- Signs of financial abuse
- Giving "awesome" new meaning
- Medical management without dialysis
May/June 2021
- Transitioning from curative care
- Managing arthritis pain
- How to get durable power of attorney
April/May 2021
- Coping with vision loss
- What is "cremation authorization"?
- Time for smart monitoring?
March/April 2021
- Maximizing your resources
- When kidneys fail: Dialysis?
- How to read an Explanation of Benefits
February/March 2021
- "For better or for worse …"
- Dementia communication: Speaking
- Age-related macular degeneration
January/February 2021
- A robo-pet for companionship?
- Slowing the progression of glaucoma
- Problems with hygiene
2020
December 2020/January 2021
- "Should we delay that procedure?"
- Leaving a legacy with StoryCorps
- Montessori for people with dementia
November/December 2020
- Dementia and communication: Listening
- Video chatting for the "tech challenged"
- "Should we bring Dad home?"
October/November 2020
- Health risks of Korean War vets
- Supporting a person with arthritis
- When you can't hold a funeral
September/October 2020
- What is "mindfulness," anyway?
- Nonverbal signs of pain
- BPH: Weighing surgical options
August/September 2020
- Repetitive questions
- Caregiving as a team
- "But I wasn't there when she died"
July/August 2020
- The importance of staying connected
- What's in an Alzheimer's test?
- Osteoporosis: What you can do
June/July 2020
- Coronavirus scams
- Is twice a night too much?
- Cooling down to make a decision
May/June 2020
- When broccoli is bad for you
- Avoiding regret
- Signs of osteoporosis
April/May 2020
- Doctors and advance directives
- Return to a good night's sleep
- Hallucinations in later life
March/April 2020
- Are generic drugs inferior?
- When Dad "saws logs" all night
- Are you pushing against reality?
February/March 2020
- Early signs of heart failure
- The myth of self-reliance
- Dad can't brush his teeth
January/February 2020
- Adding meaning to your life
- Immediately after a death
- What is a "CCRC?"
2019
December 2019/January 2020
- What is a speech therapist?
- Visiting in the digital age
- Overcoming sadness
November/December 2019
- Too much gratitude?
- Diet and Parkinson's
- Talking about brain health
October/November 2019
- Lessons from theater improv
- What is a physical therapist?
- Emotions following a stroke
September/October 2019
- Medicare Open Enrollment Tips
- A doctor's visit after a fall
- When caregiving ends: Part 2
August/September 2019
- Genetic testing for Alzheimer's
- When caregiving ends - Part 1
- How Parkinson's affects communication
July/August 2019
- "Lie to my mom?"
- Bad news
- Personal emergency response systems
June/July 2019
- Getting out of the mental spin cycle
- Communicating with aphasia
- Common elder scams
May/June 2019
- When language falls apart
- What is an occupational therapist?
- Distraction techniques
April/May 2019
- Keeping your marbles: reducing dementia risk
- Fighting Parkinson's with exercise
- "Spiritual" advance directive
March/April 2019
- Smartwatches for seniors
- Dementia: safety and independence
- Managing chronic pain
February/March 2019
- Addressing fatigue in heart failure
- Setting limits: saying "no" nicely
- Age-friendly kitchen
January/February 2019
- 2019 Medicare improvements
- Preparing for a safe return
- Signature strength: calm
2018
December 2018/January 2019
- Gifts for older adults
- How to discourage wandering
- A new year reflection
November/December 2018
- Late-life veterans' issues
- Savoring good experiences
- Exercise and COPD: an oxymoron?
October/November 2018
- Preparing for Cold and Flu Season
- Signature Strength: Courage
- When your parent drinks too much
September/October 2018
- Signature Strength: Wisdom
- Preparing for joint replacement
- Does Mom have a drinking problem?
August/September 2018
- When you need an energy boost
- Safe traveling for older adults
- "I don't need help" – Part 3
July/August 2018
- Before you quit your job
- "I don't need help" – Part 2
- Opioid addiction and serious illness
June/July 2018
- "I don't need help" – Part 1
- The habit of happiness
- Using long-term care insurance
May/June 2018
- Mother's Day without Mom
- Is a new Medicare card in the mailbox?
- When your passenger has dementia
April/May 2018
- Memory loss and advance care planning
- Phones for every disability
- Advocating for a good night's sleep
March/April 2018
- Empathy: Can you have too much?
- When family is paid for care
- Is breathing difficult?
February/March 2018
- Walking out of the hospital
- Write your cares away—carefully
- Wheelchairs and your car
January/February 2018
- The role of humor in caregiving
- Drug misuse
- Signs of stroke or "TIA"
2017
December 2017/January 2018
- Take a break: Options for respite
- Cataract surgery very effective
- Is a reverse mortgage appropriate?
November/December 2017
- Money: know the details
- A clear mind in the hospital
- Car gadgets and tips
October/November 2017
- Make the most of visiting
- What is "A-Fib"?
- Fire prevention at home
September/October 2017
- Caregiver loss: How well are you coping?
- The ability to make health care decisions
- Nail care
August/September 2017
- The caregiver-friendly car
- Medicare's Triple Aim
- Is heartburn a problem?
July/August 2017
- Curb your negative thinking
- Beware rogue pharmacies
- Is your bathroom "senior-friendly"?
June/July 2017
- Talking to your parents about money
- Is it sepsis?
- If the unexpected happens
May/June 2017
- Avoiding the "War of the Wardrobe"
- Preventing a second heart attack
- "Promise you won't …"
April/May 2017
- Making medical decisions in a crisis
- Visits: more than just business
- Preventing aspiration pneumonia
March/April 2017
- Medical deductions
- "Sometimes I feel furious!"
- Getting pneumonia while hospitalized
February/March 2017
- Caregiving and your partner
- After a heart attack
- Mealtime and dementia
January/February 2017
- Helping resolutions stick
- When the attorney shuts you out
- Probiotics: The “good” bacteria
2016
December 2016/January 2017
- Preparing for your siblings' visit
- Preventing and treating pneumonia
- Medical equipment at home
November/December 2016
- Sing a song for COPD!
- Technology for coordinating care
- Choosing a hospital? Look to the stars
October/November 2016
- Managing your relative's money
- It is flu season
- A new perspective on stress
September/October 2016
- The importance of touch
- How to report symptoms to the doctor
- What is a bedsore?
August/September 2016
- Working with doctors long-distance
- Complications of diabetes
- Funeral logistics
July/August 2016
- Is your relative dehydrated?
- Whose idea was this, anyway?
- What Medicare does NOT cover
June/July 2016
- Father's Day without Dad
- If the cancer returns
- Making the transition to rehab
May/June 2016
- Considering a remodel?
- Easing the disruption of travel
- Changes in vision
April/May 2016
- Addressing loneliness
- After cancer treatment
- When should you make an advance directive?
March/April 2016
- Reducing the stress of procrastination
- The treatment phase of cancer
- What if you are paid to care for a relative?
February/March 2016
- Communicating long distance
- Deciding about cancer treatment
- Review medications before leaving the hospital
January/February 2016
- Embracing vulnerability
- How cancer affects relationships
- You're far away, and she's failing
2015
December 2015/January 2016
- Red flags for COPD
- Taking charge of medical records
- The benefits of massage
November/December 2015
- Family caregivers of veterans
- Keeping a gratitude journal
- Preventing flare-ups of COPD
October/November 2015
- Is your parent's behavior embarrassing?
- Technology for health and safety
- What does "prognosis" mean?
September/October 2015
- Help prevent choking
- The emotional side of cancer
- Tracking needs from a distance
August/September 2015
- Living with purpose
- Osteoarthritis and physical activity
- What to do after a death
July/August 2015
- Is your parent frail?
- The "Sandwich Generation"
- When Dad resists a walker
June/July 2015
- Addressing your stressors
- The post-discharge appointment
- When there is a cancer diagnosis
May/June 2015
- Denture care
- What is a care manager?
- Living with uncertainty
April/May 2015
- Does the advance directive need updating?
- Preventing dental disease
- Removing "junk stimulation"
March/April 2015
- Cavities at this age?
- Moving sooner is better than later
- Tax breaks for family caregivers
February/March 2015
- Burnout prevention
- More than a home
- Physical activity improves brain health
January/February 2015
- Music eases dementia care
- Stress or burnout?
- Talking about funeral plans
2014
December 2014/January 2015
- "Dignity of risk"
- Seniors having fun online
- Start a safe walking routine
November/December 2014
- Gifts for those with memory loss
- More than fatigue
- Who will care for Fido?
October/November 2014
- Honoring the veterans in your life
- Medicare rules about physical therapy
- Unwanted odors
September/October 2014
- Is Dad taking his meds "as directed?"
- Make lemonade. Really?
- What about your special needs sibling?
August/September 2014
- Foot care for older adults
- Hiring help yourself
- When you feel more resentment than love
July/August 2014
- Are financial documents up to date?
- Easy activities with guests
- Reducing the risk of falls
June/July 2014
- Explaining your needs to others
- Should Dad move in?
- When Mom worries about falling
May/June 2014
- Balance problems
- Cleaning out the medicine cabinet
- Take fifteen!
April/May 2014
- Can you find Mom's advance directive?
- Helping the doctor help you
- Visiting assisted living facilities
March/April 2014
- Insomnia in older adults
- Talking about assisted living
- Tax breaks for in-home care
February/March 2014
- Family grief in the face of dementia
- Prepare before you suggest assisted living
- Subtle signs of a heart attack
January/February 2014
- Dementia Dogs
- Long-distance caregiving
- Researching health treatments online
2013
December 2013/January 2014
- Constructive criticism: when to speak up
- Gather important documents
- Keeping blood pressure in check
November/December 2013
- Palliative care for seriously ill veterans
- Cultivating gratitude when the going gets tough
- When blood pressure goes untreated
October/November 2013
- Becoming more resilient
- Repairing identity theft
- What is high blood pressure?
September/October 2013
- Avoiding surgery on the wrong body part
- Choosing an elder law attorney
- When Mom is really mean
August/September 2013
- "I can't get Dad to budge!"
- What to do with their stuff?
- When to choose "Urgent Care"
July/August 2013
- Add a dose of laughter to your life
- Preparing for a heat wave
- Early detection of memory problems
June/July 2013
- Tips for vacationing without Mom
- What is mild cognitive impairment?
- When your relative has money questions
May/June 2013
- Is your relative at risk for a hip fracture?
- Look ahead when downsizing
- When the worrying won't stop
April/May 2013
- Do you know their wishes?
- Preventing C. difficile: A very difficult germ
- Stress and overeating
March/April 2013
- The power of sleep
- What to do if your loved one is depressed
- When several relatives cover expenses
February/March 2013
- Getting paid to care for Mom or Dad
- What is a hospitalist?
- When depression goes untreated
January/February 2013
- Family and Medical Leave
- Is your loved one depressed?
- What is palliative care?
2012
December 2012/January 2013
- Choosing a complementary medical practitioner
- Supporting those in grief during the holidays
- Tips for air travel
November/December 2012
- Giving thanks: It's good for your health
- Solutions to hearing loss
- Tips for open enrollment
October/November 2012
- Five signs your parents may need help
- Talking with Dad about his hearing loss
- What is hospice?
September/October 2012
- Managing pain with music
- Outpatient or inpatient? Why it's important to know
- Sage advice from elders
August/September 2012
- Dressing your relative for incontinence
- What is a memory unit?
- When parents need financial help
July/August 2012
- How to beat "decision fatigue"
- Safe disposal of "sharps"
- What is "assisted living"?
June/July 2012
- Five keys to stress management
- Incontinence of the bowels
- When should you choose a skilled nursing facility?
May/June 2012
- Engaging activities for persons with dementia
- Common misconceptions about hospice
- When you gotta go, you gotta go
April/May 2012
- If you are selected to be "power of attorney for health care"
- Putting yourself in positive perspective
- What does "generic" really mean?
March/April 2012
- 2011 tax breaks for family caregivers
- Dealing with criticism
- Frequent infections in persons with dementia
February/March 2012
- If Dad wants to remarry
- Lessons from the seriously ill
- Skin care and aging
January/February 2012
- Choosing healthy ways to cope
- Does Medicare pay for help at home?
- How to find a good doctor
2011
December 2011/January 2012
- Listening: The other half of the conversation
- Talking with children about serious illness
- Urinary tract infections: prevention tips
November/December 2011
- Get help changing Medicare plans
- Is your home safe for older guests?
- Urinary tract infections
October/November 2011
- Benefits available to veterans
- The importance of vaccines
- Would having a dog help? A fish?
September/October 2011
- Seniors and crime
- Caught in a cycle of negativity?
- When should you take over Mom's checkbook?
August/September 2011
- Making the best use of your time off
- Strategies to address urinary incontinence
- When your loved one is depressed, suggest exercise
July/August 2011
- Accessing medical records
- Recognizing elder abuse
- Talking about urinary incontinence
June/July 2011
- Interrupt the stress cycle with deep breathing
- Staying independent: the role of technology
- What is "elder abuse"?
May/June 2011
- Cooking for caregivers
- Preparing for the hospital
- The value of nostalgia
April/May 2011
- How to choose a health care decision maker
- Keeping your relative safe from fraud
- The journey of late life
March/April 2011
- Coping with another person's pain
- Is your family member a hoarder?
- Tax breaks for family caregivers
February/March 2011
- Dad lost weight!
- Family Caregiver Happiness Project
- What is hoarding?
January/February 2011
- Sibling rivalry revisited
- Tired of being the taxi?
- What's new in Medicare
2010
December 2010/January 2011
- Coping with the holiday blues
- Alternatives to driving
- Making the transition from hospital to home
November/December 2010
- Engage with Grace
- Help Mom be a safer driver
- Managing medications: Remembering to take medicines
October/November 2010
- Why Mom doesn't take her pills
- Should Dad still be driving?
- The four stages of hope
September/October 2010
- Are you prepared for a disaster?
- Get "Extra Help" with Medicare Rx Costs
- How is caregiving different for men?
August/September 2010
- Brain fitness: What's the best way to improve thinking?
- Getting support from your spiritual beliefs
- If your loved one becomes seriously ill while traveling
July/August 2010
- Could an adult day program be the answer?
- How nutrition affects breathing
- Travel tips when your loved one is disabled
June/July 2010
- Accessible national parks
- Avoiding crises with COPD
- Making the home safer
May/June 2010
- Flying with oxygen
- Review of the CareFinder Assessment Tool
- When is your loved one too isolated?
April/May 2010
- Avoiding crises with congestive heart failure
- Aging and the self-fulfilling prophecy
- What is an advance directive?
March/April 2010
- A clean home: Free services for women with cancer
- Tax tips for family caregivers
- Your changing role: Becoming a partner-in-care
February/March 2010
- How to beat "cabin fever"
- Making treatment decisions
- Staying calm: Proven relaxation techniques
January/February 2010
- Bathing and dementia
- Can Mom live safely on her own?
- Reducing salt in Dad's diet
2009
December 2009/January 2010
- Practicing forgiveness
- Making the most of family visits
- When your loved one gets tired easily
November/December 2009
- Seeds of family resilience: Focus on rewards
- Managing emotional outbursts
- What is "power of attorney"?
October/November 2009
- Getting the most from doctor appointments
- Cold weather safety tips for indoors
- Saving money on meds
September/October 2009
- How do you know if your loved one is in pain?
- Is caregiving hazardous to your health?
- The healing power of music
August/September 2009
- If you have to go to the Emergency Room
- Is it Alzheimer's disease?
- The value of support groups
July/August 2009
- MyMedSchedule.com
- Safety tips for summer
- The healing power of volunteering
June/July 2009
- Caregiving with kids
- Honoring Cancer Survivors Day: How to increase your odds of survival
- Understanding the rhythm of a disease
May/June 2009
- Going on vacation with an elder
- The healing power of remembrance
- When Mom wants only you
April/May 2009
- Balance exercises, an important step in preventing falls
- Have you completed an advance directive?
- Letting others pitch in
March/April 2009
- Learning to accept help
- Uncle Sam may have a tax break for you
- When ice cream is better than salad
February/March 2009
- The healing power of a life review
- Keeping seniors safe from burns
- Caring for your marriage, also
January/February 2009
- Costs of caregiving: Sources of help
- Overcoming resistance to exercise
- The new year: A season of hope