Posts by Sprout Media Lab Testing

Anxiety in older adults is far more common than many of us realize, but the issue often goes unspoken. Seniors themselves may minimize their worries, mask symptoms, or attribute emotional distress to “just getting older.” As a result, family members and professionals can miss signs of increasing anxiety that affect sleep, appetite, medical compliance, decision-making,…

Caregivers are often the last ones to notice their own exhaustion. The focus naturally goes to the older adult’s medications, mobility, meals, and mood. But a caregiver’s health is just as essential to the stability of the entire care plan. A simple 10-minute daily check-in can make the difference between steady, sustainable caregiving and feeling…

Kate Pomplun, AOS Care Management Care Manager Q: “As a grandparent, I love being involved with my grandkids, but sometimes I feel stretched thin between helping my adult children, caring for my spouse, and keeping up with my own health needs. How do I balance these responsibilities without burning out?”   A: This is a very…

Amy Phariss, LCMHC – Clarity Counseling NC Emotions are a natural part of being human. Though many of us want to escape certain emotions, being human means having feelings. We all experience a wide range of feelings throughout our lives, but society often labels certain emotions as “good” or “bad.” For example, happiness is seen…

Ask the Expert (Amy Natt) My dad has been to the emergency department multiple times in the past year. It’s typically something minor, and they send him home. We have tried to get him to come up with a plan for his increasing needs, but he says he is managing, and we don’t hear from…

Amy Natt My sister was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, and I feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to expect. I want to be supportive and learn as much as I can, but I am also scared for the changes this might bring in my life. I feel guilty that I’m not thinking more about…

Being a professional caregiver for seniors is one of the most meaningful jobs out there and one of the most emotionally and physically demanding. Caregivers often have deep compassion and a desire to help. Without clear and sustainable boundaries, however, that same empathy can lead to burnout. Understanding Burnout in Caregiving Burnout doesn’t happen overnight.…

Not every senior has family nearby — or involved — in their care. Whether due to distance, estrangement, or the simple passing of time, many older adults find themselves facing the challenges of aging without the consistent presence of loved ones. In these cases, professional caregivers become more than helpers. They become confidants, companions, and,…

Q: My dad’s dementia has led to moments of anger and aggression—how can I de-escalate these situations without upsetting him more? A: There are many tough aspects about dementia progression and difficult/angry/aggressive behaviors are some of the toughest. They are heartbreaking, especially when it’s very different from the person’s “normal” or pre dementia personality. Here…

Amy Phariss, LCMHCA Clarity Counseling As a therapist, I see clients in all age ranges. I have worked with clients as young as five years old, and I have also worked with clients in their 80s and 90s. It’s one of the best parts of my job: I get to hear stories from every generation!…