Dr Liz Geriatrics

Dr Liz Geriatrics Geriatrician (MD) | Dementia Expert | Founder Dr Liz Geriatrics | Author | Speaker

The Dr Liz Geriatrics’ vision is to keep elders strong, healthy, independent, and connected with the community. The Dr Liz Geriatrics’ mission is to provide training, education and support to families and professionals in caring for the elders, as well as caring for ourselves.

As we get older, good sleep gets harder to come by and that’s especially true for those living with dementia.But there a...
06/09/2026

As we get older, good sleep gets harder to come by and that’s especially true for those living with dementia.

But there are things you can do to help improve rest and reduce that evening restlessness and agitation we often see.

Here are some sleep-friendly habits that really work:
* Stick to a regular schedule
* Wake up at the same time each day
* Keep daytime naps short (or skip them altogether)
* Avoid caffeine and alcohol
* Stay physically active
* Engage the mind, do something interesting during the day
* Watch out for medications in the Va**um family (they can actually worsen confusion)
* Make sure any pain is properly treated

Sometimes, a low-dose of melatonin taken at the right time can be helpful. But don’t start any sleep aids (even over-the-counter ones) without talking to your doctor first. Some can do more harm than good.

Small shifts can make a big difference for your loved one and for your own peace of mind.

Learn more at www.drlizgeriatrics.com

A hospital discharge is just the beginning — not the end — of the recovery journey. That’s where occupational therapy ho...
06/07/2026

A hospital discharge is just the beginning — not the end — of the recovery journey. That’s where occupational therapy home assessments come in.

When an occupational therapist visits your home, they’re not just checking for safety hazards. They’re identifying real-life challenges that could impact independence, mobility, and confidence — and offering smart, practical solutions.

From recommending grab bars and ramps to suggesting layout changes and equipment, OTs help make home safer, more functional, and truly supportive of healing and daily life.

Person-centered care starts at home.
Learn how occupational therapy plays a crucial role in discharge planning and long-term wellness.

— Read more: https://drlizgeriatrics.com/resources/occupational-therapy-who-needs-it/

06/07/2026

Even the frail elders can regain strength and some mobility with physical therapy. It’s critical to my care of elders and people with dementia.

Some medications that are totally fine for younger adults can be risky—or even dangerous—for older adults.That’s why we ...
06/06/2026

Some medications that are totally fine for younger adults can be risky—or even dangerous—for older adults.

That’s why we have something called the Beers List (nope, not the happy hour kind).
This important tool, created by the American Geriatrics Society, outlines medications that may not be safe for people over 65, especially those with dementia.

Some of these drugs can cause:
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Falls
- Agitation
- Even worsening memory

It’s not that all meds on the list must be avoided—but they should raise a red flag and prompt a conversation. If your loved one is on multiple medications, this is a resource every caregiver should know about.

This guide explains:
* What the Beers List is
* Which medications to watch for
* How to advocate for safer alternatives

Check out the full breakdown here:
https://drlizgeriatrics.com/dementia/medication/beers-list/

Download it, Print it. Bring it to your loved one’s next doctor visit. Because safer prescribing = better care.

“What stage of dementia is my loved one in?”It’s one of the most common questions families ask and one of the most impor...
06/04/2026

“What stage of dementia is my loved one in?”

It’s one of the most common questions families ask and one of the most important.

Understanding the stages of dementia can help you make sense of the changes you’re seeing, prepare for what’s ahead, and provide the right support at the right time.

But there is something I want families to remember:

Dementia doesn’t follow a perfect timeline. Every person is different. Some changes happen gradually, while others seem to happen overnight.

What matters most is understanding where your loved one is today and what they need to live as safely, comfortably, and joyfully as possible.

Whether you’re noticing mild memory changes or caring for someone in the later stages of dementia, knowledge can help reduce fear and uncertainty.

Learn more about the stages of dementia here:
https://drlizgeriatrics.com/dementia/stages/

What was the first sign that made you realize something had changed with your loved one? Your experience may help another family who is just beginning this journey.

To every caregiver reading this today…I want you to know something.The meals you prepare.The appointments you keep.The m...
06/03/2026

To every caregiver reading this today…

I want you to know something.

The meals you prepare.
The appointments you keep.
The medications you organize.
The reassurance you give for the hundredth time.
The hand you hold when your loved one is frightened or confused.

It all matters.

Caregiving is rarely glamorous. Most of the time, it’s made up of small acts of love repeated day after day. And because you do them so often, it’s easy to forget just how extraordinary they are.

There will be days when you wonder if you’re doing enough.

You are.

There will be days when you feel exhausted.

That’s because you’re carrying a lot.

And there will be moments when your loved one may not remember what you’ve done for them.

But their comfort, their safety, and their quality of life are better because of you.

So today, please take a moment to give yourself the same kindness and compassion you so freely give to others.

You are making a difference every single day.

And from all of us at Dr Liz Geriatrics…

Thank you for the love, patience, and dedication you show your loved one. You are doing amazing work.

Trying to navigate elder care can feel overwhelming.Doctor appointments. Medication questions. Care decisions. Family dy...
06/02/2026

Trying to navigate elder care can feel overwhelming.

Doctor appointments. Medication questions. Care decisions. Family dynamics. And somewhere in the middle of it all… you’re trying to do the very best for someone you love.

This is where a Geriatric Care Manager can make a world of difference.

Think of them as a knowledgeable guide, someone who helps families coordinate care, solve problems, advocate for elders, and navigate the often-complicated world of aging and dementia support.

You don’t have to figure everything out alone.

In this article, we explain:
✔️ What a Geriatric Care Manager does
✔️ How they support families and caregivers
✔️ When it may be time to seek extra help

Sometimes, having the right person in your corner changes everything.

Read more here:
https://drlizgeriatrics.com/news/what-is-a-geriatric-care-manager-and-how-do-they-help-with-elder-care/

Have you ever worked with a care manager or advocate for a loved one? We’d love to hear your experience.

Dementia planning is never easy.But avoiding the conversation often makes things harder later.Talk about wishes.Discuss ...
06/01/2026

Dementia planning is never easy.

But avoiding the conversation often makes things harder later.

Talk about wishes.Discuss finances and medical care.Think about housing, driving and support.

These conversations are acts of love.

Wherever you are in life’s journey, now is a good time to begin.

Dr Liz Geriatrics is here to help families navigate dementia with knowledge, compassion and practical support.

Learn more:https://drlizgeriatrics.com/

Too many medications. Too many doctors. Too little relief.If your loved one with dementia is agitated, overly sleepy, in...
05/31/2026

Too many medications. Too many doctors. Too little relief.

If your loved one with dementia is agitated, overly sleepy, in pain, or simply not themselves anymore… please know this:

You are not alone and there may be another way.

Dr Liz is a geriatrician who specializes in the complex cases many families struggle to navigate alone.

She has helped elders who have:

* Been denied assisted living or evicted from care communities
* Become over-sedated from medications
* Lived with untreated pain
* Seen multiple specialists but still lacked coordinated care
* Lost their ability to engage, connect, and enjoy daily life

Dr Liz looks beyond symptoms and reviews the whole person. She speaks with families, caregivers, nurses, and doctors to better understand what is really happening.

Her goal?
✔️ Reduce unnecessary medications
✔️ Relieve pain
✔️ Calm agitation without heavy sedation
✔️ Restore function, engagement, and quality of life

Sometimes the right care is not more medicine, it’s a more thoughtful approach.

Telehealth consultations are available.

If something doesn’t feel right with your loved one’s care, trust that instinct and reach out.

Inquire today:
https://drlizgeriatrics.com/contact-us/

Too often, when a person with dementia is suddenly violent, or inappropriate, or in danger of making a disastrous financ...
05/31/2026

Too often, when a person with dementia is suddenly violent, or inappropriate, or in danger of making a disastrous financial decision, various professionals discount these problems as “not part of dementia” or “something that must be endured” or “the elder’s right to be foolish.”

Often, many of these problems can be solved with recognition of early dementia, determining what care plan and team is needed, a few practical steps and sometimes medication adjustment.

When all else fails, I strongly believe in using medications to treat the behavioral problems of dementia. This point of view remains controversial. But I have seen it work for patient after patient.

From my book,: Living in the Moment: Overcoming Challenges and Finding Moments of Joy in Alzheimer’s and other Dementias. www.drlizgeriatrics.com/book

What have you found has worked for your loved one?

Address

DrLizGeriatrics
Burlingame, CA
94010

Telephone

+16503578834

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