People often use the words Alzheimer's and dementia as if they mean the same thing. Here is the simple difference and why it matters for your parent.
Viral posts about a new rule for senior drivers are common. Here is how license renewal really works and how to check your state's rules.
Walk-in showers can make bathing easier, but they are not the only option. Compare grab bars, shower chairs, tub cuts and full walk-in showers.
A urinary tract infection can cause sudden confusion in older adults. Learn why a quick change in thinking means calling the doctor the same day.
Most parents 65 and older get their health coverage through Medicare. Learn how Medicare, Medigap and Medicaid usually fill the gap instead of your plan.
You can usually choose not to be the hands-on caregiver. The key is a safe handoff so your parent still gets the help they need.
Many older adults want to keep living on their own. These quick questions help you judge whether living alone still works for your parent.
What Original Medicare pays for ambulance trips, why routine rides are usually not covered and where Medicare Advantage or Medicaid may help.
A long-distance caregiving toolkit: a contact list of nearby helpers, a shared calendar, remote visits to appointments and a checklist for each trip home.
Where to find free or low-cost rides for your parent, including the Area Agency on Aging, transit options, Medicaid and volunteer drivers.
How to apply for Medicaid for your parent, which papers to gather first and why the five-year look-back matters for long-term care.
Pill dispensers range from simple weekly boxes to automatic machines with alarms. Learn the main types and how to choose one that suits your parent.
When a parent seems selfish or demanding, first check whether the change is new. Then use kind, clear boundaries to protect you both.
Calm, practical ways to respond when your parent seems irrational, plus why sudden confusion calls for a medical check first.
Mealtimes can get harder as dementia changes. These simple, calm tips from dementia care experts can help your parent eat more and enjoy meals.
A short checklist for when your parent moves in: getting the home ready, a clear money plan, sibling roles and house boundaries.
Practical ways to guard your parent's money: trusted contacts, a financial power of attorney, scam rules and care before changing account names.
Simple ways to start a money talk with your parent, plus the short list of papers and accounts worth locating before a health crisis makes it urgent.
There is no single test for dementia. Learn what happens at the appointment and how your notes can help the doctor understand what is changing.
If your parent has dementia, you may wonder about your own risk. Here is what family history does and does not mean for adult children.
Some memory slips are a normal part of getting older. Learn which changes are worth a doctor visit and what else can cause forgetfulness.
Low-cost activities for a parent who spends long days alone, from walking clubs and library classes to adult day programs as a place to connect.
A parent who lives alone may skip meals or lean on snacks. Here are easy meal ideas and how to find home-delivered meals near them.
Signs your parent may be lonely, why it matters for health and small, doable ways to help them feel more connected.
Weight loss and low energy can point to poor nutrition in an older parent. Learn the clues to look for at home and when to call the doctor.
When money is tight, benefits screening, Medicaid and community aging services can help cover care, food and housing. Here is where to start.
Reaching your limit as a caregiver is common. Here is a step-by-step ladder of options, from more help at home to a new living setting.
Your parent wants to stay home, but you see real risks. Here is how to make home safer and add help without forcing a move.
A fall risk assessment checks how likely your parent is to fall and why. Learn who does one and how to ask for it at the next visit.
A home safety assessment finds the trip hazards and trouble spots in your parent's home. See who does one and how to start your own check today.
Aging in place means growing older in your own home. Learn what it takes in practice, from a safe home to daily help, health and money.
Sundowning is late-day restlessness and confusion in people with dementia. Learn the signs and the daily routines that can make evenings calmer.
A living will is one kind of advance directive. Learn how it differs from a health care power of attorney and where to find state forms.
Assisted living and memory care can sound alike. Here is a plain comparison, plus what staying home with the right support can look like.
VA Aid and Attendance adds money to a VA pension for veterans and surviving spouses who need daily help. See who qualifies and how to apply.
Medical alert buttons, fall detection and home sensors each work in a different way. Learn the main types and what to check before you choose one.
When an older parent eats less, there is usually a reason. Learn the common causes, simple fixes at home and when weight loss needs a doctor visit.
Simple video calling, tablets and voice reminders can help your parent stay in touch. Choose by comfort level, not by brand.
There is no set age to stop driving. Learn the warning signs to watch for and how to plan the conversation with your parent.
A plain look at filial responsibility laws, parent debts and the papers that can change your legal role. Rules vary by state.
Who qualifies for the VA's main family caregiver program, what to do if your parent does not, and the first calls to make.
Many people with dementia wander at some point. Learn the warning signs, simple home safety steps and what to do right away if your parent goes missing.
A fall, hospital stay, new diagnosis, medication issue, or sudden change in behavior can leave families trying to make several decisions at once.
Community Aging Support Alliance can help you slow the situation down and work through the immediate questions: what may need attention now, what information to gather, what changes to watch for, and what support might help once your loved one is back home and settling into a new routine.
You don’t have to solve everything at once. Start with the next step that matters most.
ASK CASA
Tell us what is going on. A member of the CASA team will reply by phone or email with guidance that fits your family.
Practical guidance to help you spot changes earlier, ask better questions, and make more informed decisions as your loved one ages at home.
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ASK CASA
Tell us what is going on. A member of the CASA team will reply by phone or email with guidance that fits your situation.