Senior Sidekicks

10/14/2026

If the time comes to move a family member to some type of assisted living or memory care because of dementia you will need to be prepared for this question.

When someone with dementia says, “I want to go home,” it often means something else. Here are some great responses to this difficult request.

10/09/2026

If you live in a home a long time, seen family and friends through hard times and joyous, the house becomes like your second skin. You know what door catches, where to be a little careful on a stair. But there comes a time as you age you find that those stairs make it hard to get to the bathroom, that doorways don't seem wide enough for a walker, or it catches on a carpet edge. Or the dim spots hide tripping hazards. Or maybe it is family or a caregiver that actually sees those problems, because this is your home, your second skin. At that point, the questions need to be asked....Can the house be adapted so you don't have to leave it? Or is it time to leave? That the house no longer fits you.

10/08/2026

A good resource to have if your care recipient has had surgery.

If you’re helping someone recover from surgery, 200+ caregivers have advice for you.

Through Ready, Set, Recover - an initiative from Caregiver Action Network’s Families, Addiction & Mental Health Network (FAM Network) with support from Pacira BioSciences, Inc. - caregivers shared what they learned while managing postsurgical pain and recovery at home.

What helped? What do they wish they’d known sooner? And what could help you feel more prepared?

See what caregivers shared: https://www.families-network.org/advocacy/ready-set-recover/

10/07/2026

An important thing to remember when having a discussion about scammers with an older family member is that all ages are vulnerable to getting scammed. Endeavor to keep the conversation casual and informative, and try not to have it come across as a lecture. Another important factor is to keep the conversation ongoing, and not just one long discussion. Scammers change tactics so it is important to keep family members updated.

Important points to cover are:
1. Scammers use fear and urgency.
2.Scammers usually try to impersonate someone, either an agency such as a bank or Social Security, or a family member, such as a grandchild.
3.Odd Payment Requests, such as wire transfers, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or having large sums of money withdrawn from an account.

Discuss ways to deal with scammers.
1. Have a family "safe word," that can be requested to confirm that a family emergency is real.
2. A refusal script, such as, "I'm not making any decisions at this time," or "I need to discuss things with my family."
3. If it is a supposed bank, fraud line, or company, contact the bank or company directly. Social Security and the IRS will never call you.
4. Keep the National Elder Fraud Hotline number handy: 833-FRAUD-11 (833-372-8311) on hand.

10/03/2026

If you are taking any of these medications, it is advisable to talk to your physician if the risk of bone loss has not been mentioned.

Bone loss becomes more common as you age, and several drugs can contribute to the risk

10/02/2026

The caregiving journey is not easy, but how you look at it makes a great deal of difference.

Believe in your ability to deal with any caregiving challenge that comes your way

09/29/2026

How to set up a family caregiving meeting.

A guide to organizing a family meeting to create a caregiving plan, avoid family disagreements, handle a medical crisis and agree on caregiver roles.

09/26/2026

There is no walk of life that is not impacted by caregiving. A fact that a new PBS documentary highlights.

Cooper joined Josh Carter, actress Uzo Aduba and Emma Heming Willis at U.N. screening of his ‘Caregiving’ documentary

09/25/2026

This is a struggle many caregivers have, but there are ways to approach family members.

A stressed-out caregiver may need a new approach to get her husband and brother to lend a hand

09/23/2026

Learn how Area agencies on aging (AAAs) help with senior fall prevention.

Area agencies on aging (AAAs) have strong connections within their regions and deliver services that directly and indirectly support falls prevention. Here's how to tap into their strengths for greater impact.