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Caregiving Resources

Walking & Home Safety

Preventing Falls

10 Ways to Improve Balance & Avoid Falls
More than 95% of hip fractures are caused by falling. Here are 10 ways to improve balance as you age and avoid debilitating falls.
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Fall Assessment Test
If you're worried about your loved one's susceptibility to falls, start here with this simple yes/no questionnaire from the CDC.
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Fall Prevention Checklist
Use this simple checklist to "fall proof" your loved one's home, minimizing hazards and risk.
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Medications Linked to Falls
This quick reference sheet will give you an idea about what medications may be linked to falls.
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Fall Prevention Video
This video follows an occupational therapist as they visit an individuals home and help make alterations to prevent falls.
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Safe Mobility Video
This video from AARP provides some more great tips on removing fall hazards from a home, making it safer for older adults.
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Fall Modifications
Aging in place is a high priority for many older adults. Here are simple ways to improve home safety through home modifications that reduce the risk of falling.
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Home Modifications

Interior Modifications
Making the appropriate home modifications for older adults will help our loved ones live independently and in the comfort of their own home.
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Exterior Modifications
It doesn't end indoors... learn how to modify exterior walkways, sidewalks, and more to help minimize hazards at your loved one's home.
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Yard Modifications
This article provides tips on reducing the risk of falls in your loved one's back yard.
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20 Useful Bathroom Aids for Older Adults
As people age, simple bathroom tasks can become difficult. These bathroom aids will help older adults regain their independence.
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Does Medicare Cover This?
It can be hard to determine what Medicare covers. In this guide, we'll help you get clarity on the question, "What does medicare cover?"
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Physical Mobility

PT vs OT
Physical Therapy vs Occupational Therapy. Both are rehabilitative medical services, but where are they the same and where do they differ?
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Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation helps an older adult to be as independent as possible in everyday activities. Learn more here.
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Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Costs
What does Physical Therapy cost? What does Occupational Therapy cost? It depends on a few factors and we go over them all in this article.
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Cooking & Eating

Meal & Utensil Alterations

Adaptive Utensils
Adaptive utensils can help your loved ones manage meals on their own. There are a wide variety of tools on the market. Here are some favorites.
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Chewing Difficulties
Many people develop chewing difficulties as they age. That's why recipes and meal planning for those with chewing difficulties is important.
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Swallowing Difficulties
Swallowing difficulties plague many of our aging loved ones, but there are myriad solutions that can help, particularly with meal planning.
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Grocery Shopping & Meal Planning

Grocery Delivery Apps
Save time by shopping for groceries on your phone or computer. This is a list of our 7 favorite grocery delivery apps that can simplify your life.
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Meal Kit Delivery
There is only so much time in the day. Using one of these 10 best meal delivery services can get food on the table with minimal effort.
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Meals on Wheels
Meals on Wheels has been supporting seniors with healthier, nourished lives for decades. Find a local chapter here.
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Meal Planning Apps
Meal Planning Apps can help you put organization behind dinner. Whether you're cooking for yourself or caring for others, these apps are the best.
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Eating Healthy

Fueling Your Fifties
Eating healthy is increasingly important as you age. Here are 9 important pieces of advice if you're looking for a healthy diet as a 50 year old.
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10 Healthy Spices for Your Sixties
Adding particular healthy spices to your diet is a simple way to increase your metabolism, support your overall health, and prevent fatigue.
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Sustaining Your Seventies
Changing your diet based on your age is important. Here are some guidelines to follow to eat a healthy diet when you're over 70 years old.
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Energizing Your Aging Brain in your 80s
Eating healthy when you are in your eighties is extremely important. These diet tips will help keep your aging brain on top of its game.
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Staying Hydrated
No matter your age, drinking enough water is critical for your health. Here are 6 great tips to stay hydrated, especially in the summer months.
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Grooming & Toileting

Dressing

Adaptive Clothing
Adaptive clothing can lessen the burden on adults with disabilities and their caregivers. This article discusses the benefits and the best options.
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Adaptive Shoes
Choosing non-slip, easy to take on or off shoes is important for independence and care. Here are a few options to get you started in your search.
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Incontinence Care
Incontinence in older adults is more common than we'd like to think, which is why incontinence care is important for any caregiver to understand.
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Choosing Incontinence Products
Urinary incontinence is a common problem that occurs in many age groups for many reasons. No matter the reason, incontinence might require you to buy adult briefs.
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Bathing

Bathing An Older Adult
This thorough tutorial will prepare you to bathe an older adult. You’ll learn what products and techniques to use and how to encourage cooperation.
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Help With a Shower
The University of Michigan provides some great advice on how to help an older adult shower.
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Dressing An Older Adult
As we age, simple things like pulling a shirt over our heads can become difficult. This article is full of advice to help and older adult get dressed.
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Dress Someone In Bed
This video will quickly teach you how to undress and dress someone who is bedridden.
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Toileting

Understanding Care
Incontinence in older adults is more common than we'd like to think, which is why incontinence care is important for any caregiver to understand.
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Discussing Incontinence
This is a helpful video when it comes to speaking with a loved one about incontinence.
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Bathroom Aids
As people age, simple bathroom tasks can become difficult. These bathroom aids will help older adults regain their independence.
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Toileting Support
This quick reference guide can help you with using bed pans, managing catheters, and more.
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Transferring

Lifting & Positioning

Lifting Someone From The Floor
This video provides simple, step by step guidance on how to safely lift an older adult from the floor after a fall.
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Getting Out of a Bathtub
Getting in and out of a bathtub can be tough for an older adult, especially if you haven't installed any rails. This video will guide you through the process.
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Repositioning Someone In Bed
Turning someone from one side to another in bed can be more difficult than you'd expect. This video runs you through the process.
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Support Devices

Comfort Devices
There are a myriad of devices that you can purchase to help your loved one stay comfortable. This slide show covers a number of the basics that you should consider.
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Transportation

Transportation Options

Transportation Options for Older Adults
Giving up driving can be extremely difficult for our loved ones. Luckily, there are plenty of transportation options for older adults who no longer drive.
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Ride Sharing Apps
Getting around town has become a lot easier these days. Consider setting your loved one up with an account on one of the top ride sharing apps.
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Options Specifically For Seniors
Rides In Sight™ provides information about senior transportation options in local communities throughout the United States.
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Safety First

Safety Tips for Older Drivers
Driving has many inherent risks and as you age, these risks can become even greater. These 11 tips will help older drivers stay safe on the road.
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A Positive Transition
Every older adult will come to a crossroad when it comes to giving up their keys. This detailed document will help you tackle that issue and plan for a positive transition.
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Preventing Falls
Whether taking a bus, loading onto a subway car, or just getting in and out of a car, falling is a hazard. Help your loved one stay safe with these tips.
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Driving Evaluations
Not sure if someone should still be driving? Wondering what condition they are in to be safe on the road? Take a look here.
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Finances

Transitioning Finances & Power

Having The Conversation
Perhaps the toughest part of taking over your parents' finances is having that initial conversation. These 10 pieces of advice will help you through the process.
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Vital Documents To Have On Hand
If you're caring for a parent, it is crucial to keep a file, both physical and digital, of their vital documents. This list will get you started.
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Power of Attorney
This comprehensive guide will teach you all about Power of Attorney. You'll learn what it is, why you might need it, and how to begin setting it up.
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Conservatorships
What is a conservatorship? What are the pros of conservatorship? What are the cons? What are the alternatives? Here's an introduction.
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Advance Directive Forms
If you are looking to create an advance directive for your loved one, this site has the forms that you'll need.
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Affording Help

Reverse Mortgage
Considering a reverse mortage? Wondering what a reverse mortgage is? Curious how they work? This article has it all.
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Budgeting To Become a Caregiver
Caring for an aging parent or loved one can mean a lot of extra costs. This article will help you budget properly for this moment.
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Caregiver Agreements
Whether you're working with a professional caregiver or a family member, it's important to write up a caregiver agreement. Learn why and how in this article.
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Medicare
If you're age 65 or over, you probably wonder "What does Medicare cover?" when it comes to specific needs. Here is a list that should help.
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Communications

Face To Face Communication

Picture Boards
Many older adults can have difficulties communicating. Using picture boards can be a great help. This site has further information and downloadable boards.
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Hearing Aids
Hearing loss is quite common for those over 65. Choosing the best hearing aid can be confusing, but this article will help you get started.
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Medical Communications
As a caregiver, you'll need to take the lead on conversations with medical personnel. This article will help guide you through the process be it for a checkup or an emergency.
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Distanced Communication

Fall Alert Systems
Falling is more than just scary for an older adult. Choosing the best medical alert systems with fall detection can be a life or death decision.
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Cell Phones for Older Adults
Flip phones or touch screen smart phones, these are our favorite cell phones for older adults.
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Video Communications
Video is an amazing way to battle isolation. Consider finding a device that is easy to use in order to stay connected with your loved ones.
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Managing Medications

Managing & Administering Medications

Medication Management
Medication safety for older adults doesn’t have to be complicated - check out our list of 7 ways to improve medication management for older adults.
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Medication Management
This video is a great introduction to medication management for caregivers. If you're new to this role, it will provide you with the information that you need to get started.
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Managing Medications
Medication safety for older adults doesn’t have to be complicated - check out our list of 7 ways to improve medication management for older adults.
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Set Up A Dosage System
This video will give you tips on setting up a dosage system (plus there are links in the description for a few other great videos as well).
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Medication Worksheet
Writing down and organizing all of your loved one's medications will help you greatly in the long run or if someone needs to step in and help.
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Home Health Aide
If you're considering assistance in your caregiving role, this article will help guide you through the decision process.
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Safety Tips

Safe Use of Medicines
The National Institute on Aging provides great advice and safety tips when it comes to medicine for older adults.
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Common Questions
This is a great FAQ if you're wondering about side effects, timing, interactions, and beyond.
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Disposing Unused Medicine
This is an important video that will teach you how to safely dispose of unused or expired medicine.
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General Safety Tips
These 4 mediation safety tips for older adults will set you on your way to avoid unwanted side effects or interactions.
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Miscellaneous

Managing Pets

Animal Companions
Dogs can be a great addition to the life of a person with dementia. This article provides 6 things to consider before adopting a pet for an older adult who is experiencing cognitive decline.
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Best Dog Breeds for Older Adults
Dogs provide companionship, unconditional love, and entertainment to no end. Here are the 12 best dog breeds for older adults.
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What If The Pet Dies?
Of course we don't want to imagine this scenario, but it happens. If a dog or cat dies at the house of someone you are caring for, follow this advice.
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Caring For Someone Else's Dog
You'll have your hands full as a caregiver for an older adult. Add a dog to the mix, and it's another level of pressure. This video provides a few tips.
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Moving In/Out

Relocating Your Parents
Sometimes there is no better choice than to relocate your parent(s) in order to better care for them. This article will help guide you through the process.
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Downsizing
Moving an older adult into a new, smaller space can be tricky. One issue will be downsizing their belongings. This article will help guide you through the process.
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Moving Into A Community
Making the decision to place a loved one into an assisted living facility does not come easy. This article will help you make an informed decision.
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Leaving The Hospital
If you're taking care of an older adult who is just leaving the hospital, this guide and checklist will make sure you're organized and safe.
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Discharge Planning Checklist
This is another great checklist if you're dealing with someone who has just been discharged from the hospital.
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Other Things To Learn

Caregiving Hacks
Caregiving is tough. That is why we put together the ultimate guide to caregiving hacks that will hopefully help make your day a bit easier.
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Emergency Preparedness
Natural disasters, fires, or even pandemics can hit at any time. As a caregiver, it's important to have a checklist for emergencies.
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Caregiving With Siblings
Caregiving with your siblings can be more complicated than you'd like and lead to family strife and conflict. This article can help you approach the process properly.
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What To Do When A Loved One Dies
It's not easy when a loved one dies. On top of the grief, there's an array of tasks to complete. This article will teach you what to do when someone dies.
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