Concerned About My Dad Driving
Dear Maryellen… I’m very concerned about my 85 year old father. He’s starting to show early signs of dementia and still drives. He enjoys getting out of the house and running errands but he insists on...
View ArticleAlzheimer’s Disease Clinical Trials
Dear Maryellen… I was reading the newspaper this past weekend and came across an article about a new drug targeting the Tau protein which causes Alzheimer’s. It seems exciting that there could be a...
View ArticleHoliday Gift Ideas for Seniors
Dear Bloggers, Finding the perfect holiday gift for the senior in your life can be a challenge. They seem to have everything and not want anything. So what do you get them? Let’s start with these two...
View ArticleMalnutrition Among Seniors
Dear Reader… Malnutrition among seniors is on the rise in the US. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians there were 3.7 million seniors who were diagnosed with malnutrition. A Place for...
View ArticleTips to Make Family Gatherings Less Stressful for Your Senior
Dear Readers, The holiday season is a time for families and friends to get together and enjoy each other’s company. However, for some senior citizens holiday gathering can be stressful, confusing and...
View ArticleTestimonial from Family Member
Dear Bloggers, I’d like to share a letter I recently received from a family member. Warmest Regards, Maryellen Dear Ms. Mckeon… This letter is a bit overdue but hopefully will reach the right desk...
View ArticlePractice Positive Thinking
Dear Readers, It’s been said smiling can brighten the darkest day. In fact, research shows having a positive outlook helps manage stress and may provide the following health benefits: Increases life...
View ArticleTips for Cutting Back on Salt
Dear Readers, Too much salt can cause high blood pressure and lead to heart disease. The average American gets about 3.4 grams of sodium every day, far more than the 2.3 grams recommended by the USDA...
View ArticleTalking to Your Senior Loved One about Assisted Living
Dear Readers, Suggesting Assisted Living to your senior loved one can be very difficult. Perhaps you’ve been avoiding the conversation. The Bristal’s TheTalk covers questions and concerns that your...
View ArticleThe Health Benefits of Music
Dear Readers, According to Webster’s dictionary, music is defined as vocal, instrumental, or mechanical sounds having rhythm, melody, or harmony. What we personally view as music might vary from person...
View ArticleResources To Care For Your Senior From A Distance
Dear Maryellen… My father lives in Boca Raton, Florida and was recently ill. Until now, he has been in pretty good shape for his 85 years. He is living with a few chronic ailments, such as Diabetes and...
View ArticleBenefits of Creative Activities for Senior Citizens
Engaging in creative activity is extremely beneficial for people of all ages, not just the young. Research shows both the acts of creative expression and social interaction are vital to the mental and...
View ArticleEarth Day Activities for the Family
Earth Day is a wonderful opportunity to get out into the sunshine, enjoy the April flowers and just have a good time together with your senior loved one. Earth day activities do not need to be...
View ArticleIs Alzheimer’s Disease Hereditary?
Dear Maryellen… My mother is in her mid-eighties and has been getting progressively more forgetful, but my father and mother just won’t admit it. My mother is currently going through some diagnostic...
View ArticleCreating an Inviting Sleep Environment
Dear Maryellen… It takes a very special person to care or assist someone that is forgetful or has dementia. What do you do when a resident is up all night? The practice here is let them be, but from...
View ArticleBeing Truthful with an Alzheimer’s Patient
Dear Maryellen… How truthful should we be with someone who has dementia or any form of Alzheimer’s Disease? Dear Uyla, Changes in memory are part of the aging process. It is when it interferes with...
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