by Dr Liz | Aug 19, 2013 | Caregivers, Medication/Pain
That is a challenging question. When an elder has a sore tooth, he may be yelling or lashing out at his caregivers. In a situation like this, it’s only human to want to give the patient whatever’s necessary to help relieve their pain and anxiety, not to mention their...
by Dr Liz | Aug 16, 2013 | Caregivers, ElderConsult Core Principles
What is the best way to assure safety and quality care in assisted living for dementia? The key is specialized dementia care. Frail elders with dementia are difficult enough to care for in general, and they often have subtle medical symptoms that can result in serious...
by Dr Liz | Aug 12, 2013 | Legal Issues/Financial Abuse
Money poses one of the most difficult issues for patients with dementia and the people who love them. I’ve met families in which one person has helped manage the elder’s finances for a reasonable fee. In other cases, families hire a “fiduciary,” a licensed...
by Dr Liz | Jul 29, 2013 | Behaviors, Caregivers, Health
As I drive around the San Francisco Bay Area doing house calls, I often see patients who are complaining of dizziness. It’s important to remember that that people with dementia often have a decreased sense of thirst or hunger. Dehydration from lack of fluids may cause...
by Dr Liz | Jul 15, 2013 | Behaviors, Caregivers
Recently, I corresponded on-line with a woman named Denise. Denise was at the end of her rope. She was caring for her parents in her home. She tried to take their dementia into account at all times. She tried to make sure that she met their needs, both physical and...
