Now that the heat of summer is upon us, it is important to stay active and healthy in ways that stave off the effects of higher temperatures. So with this new season upon us, how do you plan to keep your energy levels up? 

Now that the heat of summer is upon us, it is important to stay active and healthy in ways that stave off the effects of higher temperatures. So with this new season upon us, how do you plan to keep your energy levels up? 

One of the most common issues that we are hearing about from caregivers is, “I don’t get a minute to myself. My spouse is following me everywhere.” Or, “I can’t even go to the bathroom by myself.” It is a common behaviour for a person with dementia and is often referred to as shadowing.  Shadowing is often an indication of anxiety. 

Ah, the joys of summer -- the longer days, the warmth of the sun, fun activities of working in the garden, wading by the pool or packing a fine picnic lunch. With the short summer we have, there is often a panic to “fit it all in” before the looming thought of winter is upon us again. But wait! Did you pack enough to drink?

How have you been coping with the emotional impacts of caregiving?  A recent article in The New York Times was titled: “There’s a Name for the Blah You’re Feeling: It’s Called Languishing.” It would not be surprising to know that many people have felt “blah” at times, especially in light of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

How is your support network holding up these days? Do you have one? Do you rely on the help of others to help propel yourself upward in times of need?

We are pleased to announce that a collaboration involving Western University’s Sam Katz Community Health and Aging Research Unit and McCormick Dementia Services has received funding to support further research into a specialized dementia training program for personal support workers.

Hearing loss is the third most prevalent chronic condition in older adults. Aging is the number- one cause of hearing loss, affecting nearly 46% of people between the ages of 45 and 87.